Potassium
Potassium is an essential dietary mineral and electrolyte found in many foods particularly vegetables, fruits, citrus juices, dairy products and whole grains.
Why is there potassium in some foods and beverages?
Some foods and beverages are made with ingredients such as milk and other dairy products, which contain naturally occurring potassium. Other products are made with ingredients that contain very small amounts potassium. Examples include the low-calorie sweetener acesulfame-potassium (ace-K) and potassium sorbate, which is used to protect the freshness and flavors of some foods and beverages.
Should I be concerned about getting too much potassium?
For most people, the only risk related to potassium is not getting enough since this mineral is essential to many vital body functions. In fact, potassium is considered to be a "shortfall nutrient" by the Dietary Guidelines Committee, meaning that most Americans are not getting enough.
| Serving Size |
Potassium per serving (mg) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Potato, baked, flesh and skin | 1 small | 738 |
| Prune juice, canned | 1 cup | 707 |
| Carrot juice, canned | 1 cup | 689 |
| Tomato paste | 1/4 cup | 664 |
| White beans, canned | 1/2 cup | 595 |
| Tomato juice, canned | 1 cup | 556 |
| Plain yogurt, nonfat | 8 oz | 579 |
| Orange juice, fresh | 1 cup | 496 |
| Fish, halibut, cooked | 3 oz | 490 |
| Lima beans, cooked | 1/2 cup | 478 |
| Banana | 1 medium | 422 |
Source:
IFIC; Adapted from DGAC 2010, Table D2.14
