Potassium

            Potassium is a metallic chemical element that is abundant in the earth's crust. It is a part of soil rocks and minerals. Most potassium minerals are insoluble and the metal is obtained from them only with great difficulty. Potassium is the third most abundant mineral nutrient in the human body, surpassed only by calcium and phosphorus. It is extremely important electrolyte that functions in the maintenance of: water balance and distribution, acid-base balance, muscle and nerve cell function, heart and kidney function. About 95 percent of the body's potassium is in cells. It is essential for nerve transmission and contraction of the heart muscle. Potassium along with sodium helps in the flow of water between the body fluids and cells.
             In addition to functioning as an electrolyte, potassium is essential for conversion of blood sugar into glycogen, the storage form of blood sugar in the muscles and liver. A potassium shortage results in lower levels of stored glycogen. Since exercising muscles use glycogen for energy, a potassium deficiency produces great fatigue and muscle weakness. .
             The recommended daily intake allowance for an adult is 1.9 grams to 5.6 grams. A daily diet that includes fruit, vegetables, meat and whole grain supplies enough potassium for the normal needs of the human body. You can find potassium in any plant or vegetables because the plants roots take the potassium found in soil and use it to produce foods. If your diet does not meet the recommended daily intake than you can take supplements in the form of a pill. Many people can handle an excess of potassium if they take to much. However, people with kidney problems are unable to handle the potassium and a result maybe heart failure, because of this people with kidney failure have to restrict their potassium daily intake. .
             If an athlete does not receive enough potassium in their diet than their muscles will become weak and they will feel very tired.