Potassium Homeostasis

The average potassium intake in the United States population ranges from 90 to 120 mEq/day. About 98% of total body’s is intracellular, and only 2% present extracellular compartment. This distributional proportion essential for cellular metabolic reactions maintaining a gradient resting membrane potential. A loss this results hyper- or hypopolarization cell membrane, especially cardiac muscles leading life-threatening arrhythmias. Multiple mechanisms human maintain homeostasis. Transient initial changes are due transcellular shifts activating sodium-potassium ATPase pumps on membrane. kidneys essentially take part excess excretion, body stores constant within normal range. Gastrointestinal secretion insignificant individuals with renal function, however plays an role compromised function. So far, classic feedback mechanism was thought homeostasis; however, recently recognized feedforward acting independently also helps preserve Hence, homeostasis vital humans function at level.