Potassium and U.S. food labels

beertrollruss

U.S. food labels are pretty informative. If I could change one thing about food labels, I would make potassium content required. Currently potassium is an optional requirement.

The average American consumes about 3-4 grams of sodium and 1-2 grams of potassium daily. The current USDA guidelines for most healthy Americans is a maximum of 2-2.5 grams of sodium and a minimum of 4.7 grams of potassium. The potassium requirement is also not required on food labels.

Why is potassium important? For most healthy Americans, increased potassium consumption can help regulate blood pressure. Individuals with kidney problems or other issues have to be careful not to consume too much potassium.

It's important to note that natural sources of potassium are recommended by health professionals. Artificial sources of potassium are not recommended, as they can create other health issues. Good sources of potassium include most fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, potatoes and dairy products.

Why is potassium optional? I read thru some of the public papers on the 2010 evaluation of dietary requirements and couldn't really find an answer. About 100 specialists who work with kidney patients wrote letters requesting potassium content on labels. Many registered dietitians made the same request. I think the answer is economics. Food providers probabaly don't want the extra expense and liability to list potassium.

What can be done? If enough people write letters to the right individuals, the labels could be changed. In the meanwhile, I vote with my wallet. I choose brands that list potassium over those that don't.

I appreciate any feedback on this topic. I'm not a health professional and I have nothing to gain financially from any change in food labels. I'm just a citizen that would appreciate an improved food label.

beertrollruss

Buehler?