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What Is Potassium Aspartate?

Karize Uy
Karize Uy

Potassium aspartate is a form of nutritional supplement recommended for people who have low-potassium diets and for people who have cardiovascular problems. Essentially, potassium, which is an important mineral for proper bodily functions, is combined with aspartate, which is the salt compound of aspartic acid. Combining the two together helps the body absorb the potassium more effectively.

The supplement is also one of the most bioavailable forms of potassium supplements, which means that a huge percentage of it quickly enters the system. After the supplement is taken orally, the aspartate helps stabilize the potassium and helps carry the minerals through the intestinal walls. In this way, the potassium aspartate can work together with the other minerals and substances present in the body, assisting in different bodily functions.

Elderly with high blood pressure may benefit from taking potassium aspartate.
Elderly with high blood pressure may benefit from taking potassium aspartate.

One of the functions of potassium aspartate is it carries the potassium to different cells in order to maintain proper metabolism and regeneration. The supplement also helps improve the function of the nervous system. As an electrolyte, potassium helps transmit neural messages, enhances muscle contraction, and maintains the balance and distribution of water in the body. In order to do all of these, the mineral needs to interact with the sodium in the body,

A lack of potassium can cause leg cramps.
A lack of potassium can cause leg cramps.

Many studies have also shown that by taking this supplement, one can improve her cardiovascular health. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can decrease overtime, especially for the elderly aged 60 and above. It can also help lessen the occurrences of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats. The risk for heart attacks and strokes can also be reduced. For people with diabetes, a proper dosage of the supplements can increase the secretion of insulin and helps remove the sugar from the blood.

Some potassium aspartate supplements also contain magnesium, another vital mineral.
Some potassium aspartate supplements also contain magnesium, another vital mineral.

For people who experience frequent loss of fluids, such as in sweating, urination, or vomiting, an intake of potassium aspartate is recommended to replace the lost potassium. The mineral is among the most abundant elements in the body, and without replenishing it, a person can experience fatigue and weakness, confusion, and poor muscle coordination.

Potassium aspartate can improve cardiac health and reduce the risk of suffering a heart attack.
Potassium aspartate can improve cardiac health and reduce the risk of suffering a heart attack.

Potassium aspartate can sometimes be combined with magnesium, another vital mineral. Together, they help supply the body the energy, which is why this supplement is often taken by athletes and heavily active people. There is yet to be a Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for this substance. There is, however, an Estimated Minimum Requirements (EMR), depending on a person’s age. For example, a 1-year-old can take at least 1,000 milligrams of the supplement, while a person who is aged 10 and up can drink a minimum of 2,000 milligrams of potassium aspartate daily.

Discussion Comments

Melonlity

There are a lot of sources of potassium, so will upping things like daily servings of potatoes or other potassium-rich foods substitute for this supplement? It seems that going to natural sources for vitamins can be preferable to taking tablets, but there is a difference of opinion there.

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    • Elderly with high blood pressure may benefit from taking potassium aspartate.
      By: riccardo bruni
      Elderly with high blood pressure may benefit from taking potassium aspartate.
    • A lack of potassium can cause leg cramps.
      By: stryjek
      A lack of potassium can cause leg cramps.
    • Some potassium aspartate supplements also contain magnesium, another vital mineral.
      By: skyfotostock
      Some potassium aspartate supplements also contain magnesium, another vital mineral.
    • Potassium aspartate can improve cardiac health and reduce the risk of suffering a heart attack.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Potassium aspartate can improve cardiac health and reduce the risk of suffering a heart attack.
    • Lack of potassium in the body may result in fatigue.
      By: vbaleha
      Lack of potassium in the body may result in fatigue.
    • Weakness may occur as a result of a lack of potassium in the body.
      By: KBF MEDIA
      Weakness may occur as a result of a lack of potassium in the body.
    • An intake of potassium aspartate may be recommended for someone who experiences excessive vomiting.
      By: Tatty
      An intake of potassium aspartate may be recommended for someone who experiences excessive vomiting.