Normal potassium value

Potassium is also a trace element that the human body must consume every day. If a person's body contains too little potassium, it will affect the normal functioning mechanism of the nervous system and may also cause related diseases of the urinary and gastrointestinal systems. Low potassium in a person's body is closely related to diet and gastrointestinal digestion, so it is very important to go to the hospital for potassium testing regularly. What is the normal range of potassium in a normal person?

The normal potassium content in the human body is 175 grams, of which 98% of the potassium is stored in the cell fluid in the form of potassium ions; the serum contains 3.5 to 5.5 mmol/L of potassium. Potassium is one of the most important cations in cells.

Potassium can regulate the appropriate osmotic pressure within cells and the acid-base balance of body fluids, and participate in the metabolism of sugar and protein within cells. It helps maintain healthy nerves, regular heartbeat, can prevent strokes, and assists in normal muscle contraction. Potassium has a blood pressure-lowering effect when high sodium intake causes high blood pressure.

Potassium does not exist in elemental form in nature. It is widely distributed on land and in the ocean in the form of salt. It is also one of the important components of human muscle and nerve tissue. Potassium is abundant in dairy products, fruits, vegetables, lean meat, offal, bananas and raisins.

Generally, the diet is rich in potassium, so as long as you eat normally, your body will not suffer from potassium deficiency. Patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, coma, or who have fasted for a long time after surgery cannot eat. If these patients are given intravenous nutrition without potassium supplementation or insufficient potassium supplementation, potassium deficiency and hypokalemia may occur.

If insufficient intake is the only reason, the degree of potassium deficiency can be alleviated within a certain period of time due to the kidney's potassium retention function. When potassium intake is insufficient, urinary potassium excretion can be reduced to below 20mmol/L within 4 to 7 days, and can be reduced to 5 to 10mmol/L within 7 to 10 days (normal urinary potassium excretion is 38 to 150mmol/L).