WHY AND HOW TO INCREASE DIETARY POTASSIUM INTAKE

A role for dietary potassium intake in the prevention and treatment of several metabolic and cardiovascular disorders is supported by a grow ing body of evidence. it is well known that chronic changes in dietary potassium intake may influence cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms a nd alter the body's electrolyte handling. Epidemiologic surveys, exper imental studies on animal models and clinical trials in hypertensive p atients indicate that increasing potassium intake is associated with l ower blood pressure levels. Evidence is emerging that potassium may ha ve a beneficial effect in preventing renal damage and stroke, with mec hanisms at least partly independent of the effect on blood pressure it self In particular, an independent role of potassium in the regulation of endothelial function has been hypothesised. Oral potassium supplem entation reduces urinary calcium excretion and may be of value in the treatment of hypercalciuria, thereby offering a valuable fool in the p revention of osteoporosis and kidney stone disease The objective of th is paper is to briefly review this matter and to provide indications f or the large scale applicability of nutritional measures aiming at inc reasing dietary potassium intake (C) 1996, Medikal Press