Potassium deficiency is rare when a balanced diet is kept.
Deficiencies may occur in diets that are low in fruits, or in the case of prolonged vomiting or diarrhea. Potassium and sodium work together in the body to maintain muscle tone, blood pressure, water balance, and other functions. Potassium, when taken in conjunction with magnesium, helps to prevent Congestive Heart Failure . A vegetarian diet usually prevents high blood pressure . This is probably due to the high potassium 3 and fiber 4 intake associated with such diets.