Researchers at the University of California explained that potassium is an essential element in the body and counteracts the negative effects of salty foods, preventing rapid bone loss. They pointed out that excessive dietary salt accelerates bone breakdown, in addition to its role in increasing blood pressure and the risk of stroke.
Women's bones are more affected, and men's bones also begin to deteriorate with age. Therefore, it is important to regularly consume calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone strength, and experts always recommend consuming enough of both.
Scientists measured the amount of calcium lost through urine and the amount of NTX protein (which is produced in the body due to bone breakdown) lost in 60 postmenopausal women over a three-week period. During this time, the women consumed a diet containing either two or less than six grams of salt (approximately one and a half teaspoons). They then consumed a high-salt diet (approximately nine grams daily) for a month. Half of the women took potassium supplements, while the other half took a placebo.
The researchers found that potassium helped preserve the bones of the women who consumed it, as they lost less calcium than those on the low-salt diet. However, the amount of protein lost was slightly higher.
The women who did not take potassium with their salty diet experienced higher rates of potassium loss (approximately 33%) and protein loss (approximately 23%). This suggests that high salt intake accelerates bone loss by drawing calcium out of the bones, while potassium reduces this loss.
Scientists pointed out that the amount of potassium consumed by the women was equivalent to the amount found in seven to eight servings of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, women are advised to increase their consumption of these foods rather than reducing their salt intake.