Health Supplement

Potassium is a mineral that performs many functions in the body. Potassium has been shown to help maintain lower blood pressure. Potassium plays a key role in the function of nerve firing [an involuntary physiologic response to stimuli], and the contraction of muscles.
Potassium may help reduce muscle soreness that results from training. Any deficiency in potassium levels may result in decreased strength, and the early onset of exercise induced fatigue. Potassium helps to regulate water balance and is also needed for the synthesis of dietary proteins.

The most common use of potassium supplements is to make up for potassium depletion caused by diuretic drugs. These medications are often used to help regulate blood pressure, but by depleting the body of potassium, they may inadvertently make blood pressure harder to control.
For individuals using diuretics, supplemental potassium can help ensure adequate levels exist within the body for use in the above mentioned processes. Stable potassium levels are also associated with lower occurrences of type 2 diabetes.
Taking too much potassium can result in an upset stomach, flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and burping. An excessive amount of potassium can result in a heart attack. A typical therapeutic dosage of potassium is between 10 and 20 meq, taken 3 to 4 times daily.

Source:
http://www.criticalbench.com/Potassium-Supplement-Review.htm

http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21651