Dietary reference values: advice on potassium

EFSA has set dietary reference values for potassium as part of its review of scientific advice on nutrient An element or compound needed for normal growth, development and health maintenance. Essential nutrients cannot be made by the body and must, therefore, be consumed from food intakes. Potassium is an essential mineral A naturally occurring inorganic element (e.g. calcium, iron) that is needed in the diet for normal growth, development and health in the human diet and plays an important role in many physiological processes in the human body including the distribution of body fluids, nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.

The Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition The science of how diet relates to the body's need for sustenance and Allergies (NDA) defines daily adequate intakes (AIs) for potassium as follows:

• 750mg for infants aged 7-11 months.     
• 800mg for children aged 1-3 years.
• 1,100mg for children aged 4-6.                                  
• 1,800mg for children aged 7-10.
• 2,700mg for children aged 11-14.             
• 3,500mg for adolescents aged 15-17.
• 3,500mg for adults including pregnant women.
• 4,000mg for lactating women.

Low potassium intakes are associated with raised blood pressure and increased risk of stroke. The Panel considered data on these relationships when setting DRVs.

Food sources of potassium include starchy roots or tubers, vegetables and fruit, whole grains, dairy products and coffee.

EFSA received comments and input on the draft scientific opinion Opinions include risk assessments on general scientific issues, evaluations of an application for the authorisation of a product, substance or claim, or an evaluation of a risk assessment during a six-week public consultation in mid-2016.

• Dietary Reference Values for potassium
• Outcome of a public consultation on the Draft Scientific on DRV potassium