Potassium May Lower Stroke Risk in Women
Women who consume more potassium have a lower risk of stroke, a study has found. The study followed 90,000 women for an average of 11 years. All were between ages 50 and 79, and had gone through menopause. The average daily intake of potassium was about 2,600 milligrams (mg) per day. Nutrition recommendations say adults should get 4,700 mg per day. Women in the study who consumed the most potassium were 12% less likely to have a stroke, compared with women who consumed the least. The risk reduction was limited to ischemic strokes, which happen when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked. The risk for hemorrhagic strokes â when a blood vessel bursts â was not affected. Women who consumed the most potassium also were 10% less likely to die during the study period, compared with those consuming the least.