08 Oct 09
The post that was quoted here has been removedCan't find an LD50 for straight potassium, but I found LD50s for various other potassium compounds and they range from 5 mg/kg to 750 mg/kg. I'll assume an average of 400 mg/kg.
Every banana contains about 450 mg of potassium (a good source!). Assuming your body absorbs all the potassium in each banana, and assuming your weight to be about 80 kg (176 lbs), your body's potassium concentration would be:
K = 450 mg * b / 80 kg
For a potentially lethal dose, we set K = 400 mg/kg and solve for "b":
b = 400 mg/kg * 80 kg / 450 mg = 71.1
So, you would need to eat about 70 bananas to be relatively likely to die from a potassium overdose via banana gorging. I for one would pay money to see the attempt, not because of any ill will, but simply for teh lulz. 😵
08 Oct 09
Originally posted by PBE6Not all of the pottasium in a consummed banana will be absorbed. I'd recommend at least doubling the number to be safe.
Can't find an LD50 for straight potassium, but I found LD50s for various other potassium compounds and they range from 5 mg/kg to 750 mg/kg. I'll assume an average of 400 mg/kg.
Every banana contains about 450 mg of potassium (a good source!). Assuming your body absorbs all the potassium in each banana, and assuming your weight to be about 80 kg (176 lbs), ...[text shortened]... ould pay money to see the attempt, not because of any ill will, but simply for teh lulz. 😵