Potassium
Minerals
Overview
- Potassium (K⁺) is an essential monovalent cation.
- It functions as a key electrolyte in human physiology.
- Potassium primarily maintains intracellular fluid balance.
- It supports nerve impulse transmission.
- Potassium facilitates muscle contraction, including the heart’s rhythmic activity.
Chemistry
- Elemental Properties: Potassium is a metallic element with atomic number 19 and symbol K.
- Elemental Form: The elemental form is a soft, silvery‑white alkali metal with a body‑centered cubic lattice.
- Supplement Forms: In supplements, potassium is typically present as an ionic compound (e.g., KCl, K₂CO₃, or K citrate).
- Potassium Ion: The simplest molecular entity is the potassium ion (K⁺), which lacks a covalent structure; it is a monovalent cation with a full outer electron shell (configuration [Ar] 4s¹ → [Ar] 4s⁰ after ionization).
- Ionic Radius: Its ionic radius is 138 pm (coordination number 6).
- IUPAC Name: The IUPAC name for elemental potassium is “potassium.”
- Hydration: In aqueous solution, K⁺ is highly hydrated, forming the [K(H₂O)₆]⁺ complex, which underlies its physiological solubility and transport.
Sources & Quality
- Dietary Sources: Dietary potassium is abundant in fruits (bananas, oranges), vegetables (potatoes, spinach), legumes, nuts, and dairy.
- Supplement Production: Commercial supplements derive potassium from mineral salts: potassium chloride is produced by the electro‑lysis of brine, potassium citrate from the reaction of potassium hydroxide with citric acid, and potassium carbonate from the Solvay process (calcination of potassium carbonate with limestone).
- Purification: Pharmaceutical‑grade potassium salts undergo purification via recrystallization, ion-exchange, and filtration to meet USP/Ph. E. standards.
- Quality Considerations: Quality considerations include verification of elemental potassium content, absence of heavy‑metal contamination, and correct anionic partner (e.g., chloride vs. citrate) to match therapeutic needs.
- Quality Assurance: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and third‑party testing (e.g., USP, NSF) ensure product purity and potency for consumers.
Where to Buy Potassium
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