Role of Potassium in Metabolism and Health – By Dr Harold Gunatillake Knowing your blood potassium level is as crucial as knowing your bad cholesterol level. “Read further to understand the reason.”. Potassium is the primary intracellular ion in all cell types and is vital for numerous cellular functions. It is essential for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, which is crucial for properly functioning cells, nerves, and muscles. The potassium concentration inside cells is significantly higher than in the extracellular fluid, creating an electrochemical gradient essential for various physiological processes. Role in Cell Function and Electrochemical Gradients Potassium is essential for maintaining cell membrane potential, which is crucial for generating action potentials—brief spikes of Presented by Dr. Harold Gunatillake, this valuable resource aims to enhance the health and well-being of Sri Lankans worldwide. electrical discharge that are important for processes such as neurotransmission and muscle contractions. The sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ ...