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Potassium is crucial for the proper
functioning of the nervous system and for the maintenance of
a regular heartbeat rhythm. Potassium is a crucial
regulator of the amount of water in cells, interacting with
sodium to maintain the correct osmotic balance. It
helps in the transmission of nerve impulses and is a buffer
for body fluids. Potassium catalyzes the release of
energy from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Symptoms of potassium deficiency include
weakness, paralysis and low blood pressure. Potassium
deficiency can cause an irregular or rapid heartbeat leading
to cardiac arrest and death. The loss of potassium
ions can cause the body's cells to function less effectively
and eventually die.
In the wild, sodium is in short
supply. Hence, the attraction of wild animals to "salt
licks" where sodium can be replaced. Domesticated pets
are exposed to much more sodium in pet food, treats and
human food items. Potassium supplementation can help
balance that extra sodium.
Potassium supplementation becomes even
more important for pets being treated with diuretics.
The addition fluid loss flushes out water-soluble vitamins
and minerals, which must be provided at higher levels.
Pets suffering from diabetes also
benefit from extra potassium, for the same reason.
Diabetes often results in excessive thirst. The
additional water intake flushes water-soluble nutrients from
the body, which must be replaced.
In fact, pets under any situation of
high stress (working dogs, show animals, emotional problems)
will tend to flush the "anti-stress" nutrients (potassium
and vitamins C, E & B-complex) very quickly. Potassium
imbalances can result.
Potassium citrate is the highly
bio-available source of potassium used in NuVet Plus®.
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