Total body potassium, potassium retention and potassium intake in protein energy malnutrition.

The total body potassium (TBK) and potassium retention were measured during the early stages of recovery of malnourished children on three levels of potassium intake. A potassium intake of 2 mEq/kg/day resulted in significantly greater potassium retention than one of 3 mEq/kg/day. A higher level of intake (15 mEq/kg/day) did not result in an absolute increase in potassium retention and is not recommended because of its theoretical dangers, although it may have stimulated an increase in potassium capacity.