The pattern of intestinal K+ movement parallels
that of the kidney: (1) the intestines have the capacity for both K+
absorption and secretion, and (2) the intestines absorb K+ in the
proximal segments but secrete it in the distal segments
Dietary K+ furnishes 80 to 120 mmol/day, whereas
stool K+ output is only ~10 mmol/day. The kidney is responsible for
disposal of the remainder of the daily K+ intake
Substantial quantities of K+ are secreted in gastric,
pancreatic, and biliary fluid. Therefore, the total K+ load
presented to the small intestine is considerably greater than that represented
by the diet