Potassium K Atomic Number: 19 Atomic Weight: 39.09 _____________________________________________________________________ Human Physiology: - Essential to nerve and heart function - Normalizes water and acid-base balance in the body - Necessary for energy release from food - Potassium levels tend to decrease after menopause - RDA: 2-5 G/Day Prevalence: - 1.5% of the earth's crust - 7th most abundant element Source: - Beans, peas - Grains, nuts - Fruits, particularly bananas - Milk - Molasses - Beef - Some vegetables Deficiency: " Increased blood pressure " Congestive heart failure " Potentially fatal heart arrhythmias, palpitations " Muscle weakness " Migraines " Hyperthyroidism " Mental apathy and depression " Impotence " Fatigue Excess: - Renal disease - Addison's disease - Gastrointestinal problems - Heart dysrhythmias