− | Potassium is the eighth most abundant element in the body and is the second most abundant cation (positive ion) after calcium. It is found in greatest amounts in intracellular fluid – about 90% of the body’s potassium is present here and it accounts for about 75% of the cations within the body cells. Smaller quantities are found in bone, plasma, interstitial fluid and connective tissue. It is a very strong reducing metal and therefore not found in its free state in nature but combined with other elements to form salts, as described in section 6 [WikiVet Link – Section 6]. | + | Potassium is the eighth most abundant element in the body and is the second most abundant cation (positive ion) after calcium. It is found in greatest amounts in intracellular fluid – about 90% of the body’s potassium is present here and it accounts for about 75% of the cations within the body cells. Smaller quantities are found in bone, plasma, interstitial fluid and connective tissue. It is a very strong reducing metal and therefore not found in its free state in nature but [[Potassium - Nutrition#Dietary Sources|combined with other elements to form salts]]. |