Potassium Intake and Stroke Risk

I n recognition of a growing body of evidence in support of the benefits of increasing potassium (K+) intake, the World Health Organization (WHO) has, for the first time, issued recommendations for a target daily dietary intake for K+ of ≥90 mmol (conversion for potassium (K+) 1 mmol=39 mg, for sodium (Na+) 1 mmol=17 mg) for adults. 1 In doing so, they state that "the successful implementation of these recommendations would have an important public health impact through reductions in morbidity and mortality, improvement in the quality of life for millions of people, and substantial reductions in health-care costs."This article reviews the evidence underpinning this recent guidance with specific emphasis placed on reduction of stroke risk.It also briefly explores the methods by which this target may be achieved in those at high risk of stroke.