Still other literature estimates that the average male consumes 2.8 grams of potassium while the average female consumes 2.3 grams. Potassium exists most everywhere in both animal and plant origin and is present in most commonly eaten foods. A dietary deficiency of potassium does not occur on an ordinary mixed diet. Rich food sources for potassium include avocado, bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, beans, pumpkin, potatoes, pork, chicken, spinach, turkey, tomatoes, and watermelon. Regular salt does not contain any potassium.
Iodized salt contains some potassium iodide but the amount of potassium in it is insignificant.
Potassium deficiency is associated with general muscle weakness which may lead to reduced intestinal tone and distention, to cardiac abnormalities, and to respiratory failure. Additional symptoms of potassium deficiency include slowed growth, bone fragility, paralysis, sterility, mental apathy and confusion, kidney damage, and damage to the heart. Sudden death that can occur during fasting, anorexia nervosa, or starvation is often a result of heart failure caused by potassium deficiency. Dehydration is dangerous because the potassium deficiency that occurs numbs the person's desire for water. Excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, vomiting and diarrhea, or chronic low intake of water combined with profuse perspiration can lead to dehydration and potassium deficiency.