Re: potassium... 10 mEq = 400 mg

[Guest guest]

Carol, From an article on the Web at

http://www.nutrition.org/nutinfo/content/pota.shtml, I conclude that

10 mEq = 400 mg of Potassium:

" Dietary recommendations: The Estimated Minimum Requirement for

potassium for adolescents and adults is 2000 mg or 50 mEq/day. The

usual dietary intake for adults is about 100 mEq/day. For

hypertension patients using diuretic medications, it is recommended

often to supplement their diet with orange juice, bananas and

vegetables which contain high amounts of potassium. Increased

potassium intake helps maintain normal plasma levels. However, the

blood level of potassium (which is sensitive to diet) is not

indicative of total body potassium which is an index of cell mass and

muscle. "

--Steve

At 10:44 PM -0500 12/3/02, Tuesdynite@... wrote:

>In a message dated 12/3/02 6:16:06 AM Central Standard Time, sng@...

>writes:

>

><< I get more than enough (60 mEq/day) potassium >>

>-----------------------------

>

>Steve,

>

>What is the equivalent of that dosage in mg's?

>

>Thanx,

>Carol A

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/4/02 6:55:09 AM Central Standard Time, sng@...

writes:

<< However, the blood level of potassium (which is sensitive to diet) is not

indicative of total body potassium which is an index of cell mass and

muscle. " >>

--------------------------

Steve, I appreciate the info on potassium requirements. Then I read the above

and started thinking again (a dangerous activity for me, I know): if blood

level isn't reliable, then why do the bariatric surgeons check it on lab

tests? Not challenging your info at all, just trying to find out if this is

another case of the docs not doing the right tests?

Thanks,

Carol A

[Guest guest]

'cuz, as they say, " In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. "

Or, to put it more simply, that's the best info that they can get easily.

--Steve

At 12:06 AM -0500 12/5/02, tuesdynite@... wrote:

>if blood level isn't reliable, then why do the bariatric surgeons

>check it on lab tests?