Potassium Supports Bone Health

Mineral buffers play an important role in preserving overall health by helping to keep pH in a range where enzyme activity in vital body systems works efficiently.  Potassium, like magnesium and calcium, has an important role as a mineral pH buffer.  In comparison, excessive salt intake can tilt metabolism into an acid pH state that corresponds to increased inflammation and poor health.  Bones as an organ are a reserve of mineral buffers, like a savings account.  Depleting this savings account creates a physiology situation prone to bone loss.  Potassium is proving itself as a key mineral that helps to offset this stress and preserve bone.

A recent study of 1098 men and women over the age of 65 has shown that elevated salt intake is associated with lower bone mineral density whereas higher potassium intake¹ is associated with higher bone mineral density.  A detailed metabolic study with 12 healthy younger women found that potassium supplementation² reduced the rate of bone braking down, while acting to retain calcium for use in bone building.  Together these studies show that potassium is a guardian of bone health and is especially important to help combat situations of wear and tear.

This means that individuals who sweat a lot during sports, consume higher protein diets, are sensitive to salt or heat, prone to fluid retention, or sustain wear and tear should ensure adequate dietary potassium and consider potassium supplementation to support bone health (and muscle energy).