GLOSSARY

Potassium Homeostasis comprises processes regulating content, concentration and distribution; maintaining one value can involve changes in stores.

Intestinal potassium absorption is generally efficient, and kidneys provide the main regulated excretion route. Aldosterone, insulin, acid-base status and muscle activity influence distribution or loss, so daily intake is not the sole determinant of blood values. Intense exercise can temporarily shift potassium out of muscle before recovery redistribution. Interpret a post-exercise sample with its timing and clinical context.

Potassium is the main intracellular cation, supporting cell volume, membrane potential and nerve and muscle function. Most body potassium is outside the circulating blood pool, so relatively small shifts can change extracellular concentration. Its contraction role does not make a banana or supplement a universal cramp treatment. Neuromuscular fatigue, exercise load and other causes still enter the interpretation.

Balance compares entry and exit over a defined period; homeostasis comprises processes regulating concentration and distribution. Neither means equal amounts of every mineral. Kidneys, intestine, bone and hormones contribute differently for each element. Blood values may sometimes be maintained through redistribution or stores, so one normal concentration does not necessarily summarize the entire nutritional situation or longer-term supply.