Humans primarily receive potassium from plant foods. Therefore it is vitally important for the normal functioning of the human organism that plant foods contain sufficient potassium.

Potassium regulates water balance in the human body, normalizes the heart rhythm, and influences the work of skin and kidneys. Potassium is very important for normal work of nerve and muscle cells, transmission of nerve impulses.  The element is responsible for redox balance of blood and normalizes blood pressure. This is why some amount of potassium chloride is rarely used in table salt. Potassium helps to supply the brains with oxygen, helps to get rid of waste products, helps to treat allergy.  Potassium can increase urine secretion, that is important when the organism is intoxicated.

Pathological reduction of potassium concentration in colloids resulting from exhausting physical activity, diabetes, chronic kidney conditions etc, can lead to muscular debilitation, brain conditions and fibrillation, and stunted development in children. People diagnosed with potassium deficiency are prescribed potassium-rich medications, in particular potassium chloride. A potassium-rich diet produces no harmful effect and is recommended for people suffering from hypertension. The recommended daily dose of potassium for a child is 12-13 mg per 1 kg, for an adult human is 2 mg, and for a person with hypertension, up to 3.5 mg.