Potassium vitamins are vitamin supplements that include the mineral potassium as part of the formula for the supplement. The choice of other minerals to combine with the potassium will vary, depending on the types of health issues the supplement is formulated to address. For example, potassium minerals may be combined with calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin C in order to provide relief from prolonged stress.
In the strictest sense, there is no such thing as potassium vitamins. Potassium is a mineral rather than a vitamin. While many people believe that Vitamin K and potassium are the same, that is not the case. Potassium is listed as “K” in the periodic table, which is likely the cause for the confusion. Vitamin K is actually phylloquinone and helps the blood to clot properly as well as help ease the pain of gallstones. Potassium, by contrast, is helpful with a number of ailments, such as helping diabetics to convert glycogen to glucose, or bringing a sense of calm to rattled nerves. However, references to potassium vitamins are found in nutritional books and many advertisements for various vitamin and mineral combination supplements.
Like any mineral or vitamin deficiency, the development of a potassium deficiency can prevent the body and the mind from functioning at optimum efficiency. When there are not enough potassium vitamins in the system, the heartbeat may become erratic, the arteries may harden, and the individual may begin to develop high blood pressure. The nervous system is also weakened when there is not enough potassium vitamins in the body; the individual may have trouble focusing on tasks and is likely to become more easily irritated. In severe cases, an anxiety disorder may develop or the person may experience a seizure.
Fortunately, there many effective ways to boost the level of potassium vitamins in the body by using a balanced diet. Including baked potatoes and bananas are excellent ways of adding this mineral back into the body. Greens such as broccoli and kale are also excellent sources of potassium. A healing both that is made from potato peelings can help soothe ruffled nerves as well.
Another way of protecting the level of potassium vitamins in the body is to limit or eliminate foods and situations that tend to deplete potassium levels. Prolonged stress can seriously deplete the presence of potassium in the body. Limiting or avoiding alcohol, large amounts of caffeine, table salt, and processed sugar will also make it easier for the body to maintain a healthy level of potassium vitamins in the system.
