article_snippet.sent: Humans need potassium in higher amounts than any other mineral.
article_snippet.sent: Potassium plays a fundamental role in maintaining the fluid and acid/alkaline balance of the body.
article_snippet.sent: Potassium is vital for the transmission of nerve impulses and helps the heart to beat regularly.
article_snippet.sent: Potassium also counterbalances sodium in the body, and is known to help lower blood pressure.
article_snippet.sent: The Dietary and Nutritional Survey of British Adults (HMSO 1990) showed that the average intake of potassium is 3,187mg in males and 2,434mg in females.
article_snippet.sent: People most at risk of marginal potassium include the elderly, athletes and manual workers who sweat out a lot of potassium and people taking certain diuretic drugs.