What Causes Mineral Deficiencies?

3. Potassium

Potassium helps regulate the balance of fluids in the body and controls the electrical activity of the heart. It also helps turn carbohydrates into energy. Symptoms of potassium deficiency include muscle cramping, weakness, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. The most common cause is excessive fluid loss from vomiting or overuse of diuretics. A severe deficiency can cause an irregular heartbeat or paralysis of the muscles. Potassium is in bananas, tomatoes, the skin of potatoes, citrus fruits, yogurt, fish, and legumes such as beans, lentils, and split peas.