Potassium (K⁺), an essential electrolyte, plays vital roles in cellular function, neuronal signaling, and maintaining membrane potential.
-Source: leafy vegs, legumes, salmon(384mg), banana(358mg), potatoes(russet in skin)(550mg)
-RDA: 4700mg/d (<2% of US adults meet this goal)
AD:
-Low extracellular potassium can lead to increased neuronal calcium influx, oxidative damage, and microglial activation, worsening neurodegeneration.
-Certain potassium channels (e.g., KCNQ) are downregulated in AD, and their activators (like retigabine) have shown neuroprotective effects in preclinical models.
Cancer:
-K⁺ channels upregulated in many cancers
Those with kidney problems, may need to decrease potassium intake.