Physiological and hygienic basis of potassium norm in drinking water: Theoretical and practical implications

Introduction . Recently there have not been physiological and hygienic investigations aimed at testing and clarifying optimal (OHN) and permissible (PHN) hygienic norms of potassium concentration in drinking water. The potassium concentration standard for drinking water of 12 mg / dm3, established by the European Community directive 98 / 83EC, has not been empirically investigated. Therefore, teaching this topic in the sections “Physiology of water-salt balance” and “Water supply hygiene” is ionic balance regulation mechanisms in comparison with the control group. It was expressed in increase of potassium and sodium excretion after water loading and their decrease after potassium loading. Conclusions. The obtained data allow to conclude that a hygienic optimum of potassium ion concentration in drinking water is 1-5 mg/dm 3 , the threshold dose causing functional pressure of potassium regulation mechanisms is 50 mg/dm 3 , and the acceptable hygienic range of potassium in drinking water is 0,8–12,5 mg/dm 3 .