Yes, peanut butter does contain potassium and is one of the recommended foods to have if seeking a potassium in your diet. One tablespoon of crunchy peanut butter contains 120 mg of potassium. Potassium is one of the important nutrients and performs a number of functions in the body such as lower blood pressure, prevent bone loss and reduce risk of developing kidney stones. It also helps normal muscle growth, water balance and healthy nervous system and brain function. Potassium also blunts the blood-pressure-raising effects of salt. The recommended daily dose of potassium is between 3,500 mg and 4,700 mg and as well as in peanut butter can be found in fruit and vegetables such as bananas and strawberries, orange juice, broccoli, potatoes and tomatoes. High potassium foods (with more than 200mg per serving) are papayas, prune juice, bananas, mangos, kiwis, pears, oranges. People might need to cut down their potassium intake if they are taking certain drugs or if they have kidney damage or disease as healthy kidneys usually excrete any excess potassium into the urine, but if they are damaged or not functioning at full capacity potassium levels in the body might be too high. This can cause a number of symptoms, such as irregular heart beat, dehydration, nausea, diarrhea, frequent urination, and in severe cases paralysis. There are a number of reliable sources online giving advice on correct balanced diets and recommended foods, but if in doubt you should see a dietician who will be best qualified and able to help.
