Zinc & Potassium
The information presented is based on Cellular trace mineral analysis - not Serum / Blood measurements.
RDA / DRI, synergists, antagonists, and additional deficiency / overdose / toxicity symptoms are listed at the bottom of the page.
Both elements share left / right-sided cell receptors and are essential to human health. Potassium (K)
and Zinc (Zn) values represent - and at the same time affect - many aspects of the genitourinary system,
whereby normalizing their levels will normalize many common medical problems associated with the urinary
and reproductive system.
Zinc is a component of more than 100 enzymes associated with various metabolic processes, including the
synthesis of the nucleic acids RNA and DNA. It is required for the transport of Vitamin A from the liver, and
as part of superoxide dismutase (SOD) helps protect cells from free radicals. Zinc is also required for normal
growth and development, reproductive development and function, and to support the immune system, where
it has been shown to increase T-lymphocytes and enhance other white blood cell functions.
However, because of its effect on increasing white blood cell counts, a higher intake of zinc (unless low) is
contraindicated with some forms of leukemia.
The body contains about 1.5 to 2.5 g of zinc, of which the kidneys, liver, pancreas, eyes, prostate and bone
contain larger concentrations, however they do not function as zinc reserves, so the body depends on enough
dietary intake to meet its daily requirements. Zinc is lost in sweat and through food processing. In addition,
with zinc being water-soluble, canning or cooking in water can deplete the amounts of zinc in food, and less
zinc is also absorbed when it is bound with phytates or oxalates found in grains and vegetables, and when
high amounts of other trace minerals such as copper, iron, calcium, and some toxic metals (cadmium, lead)
are present at the same time.
Zinc deficiency has been implicated as a factor with birth defects and low birth weight, impaired learning,
as well as delayed sexual development.28 Additional zinc intake may help with the loss of taste sensation or
smell, wound healing, anorexia / loss of appetite, paranoia, depression, strong body odor, impotence, certain
hair, nail and joint / arthritic problems, benign prostatic hypertrophy, impotence, cataracts and optic neuritis,
as well as skin conditions such as acne and dermatitis.
It should be noted though that those infamous "White Spots" on someone's nails are not caused by zinc
deficiency, as they are just as common in people with excessively high zinc levels.
Zinc is necessary to maintain normal serum Testosterone levels, whereby inadequate zinc levels prevent
the pituitary gland from releasing luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones, which stimulate testosterone
production. Zinc also inhibits the aromatase enzyme that converts testosterone into excess estrogen. The
testosterone to estrogen ratio in men declines with aging from a high of about 50:1 to half of that, or even a
low of 10:1, resulting in higher estradiol (estrogen) activity, which subsequently increases the risk of heart
disease, Weight Gain, or even obesity.
One reason is that fat cells contain aromatase, so more fat cells translate into more testosterone being
converted to estrogen. This is further aggravated by alcohol consumption, which lowers zinc and increases
estrogen, and so magnifies the problem.
Some animal studies have demonstrated a relationship between zinc and insulin metabolism, and that a
deficiency may play a role in the onset of diabetes, however a relationship of zinc-deficient diets and glucose
intolerance in humans is not confirmed.
Excessive zinc intake will eventually affect the balance and proper ratios to numerous other nutrients, which
includes iron, calcium, selenium, nickel, phosphorus, copper, as well as Vitamin A, B1, C, and others. It may
also cause, or contribute to gastrointestinal problems, hair loss, anemia, loss of libido, impotence, prostatitis,
ovarian cysts, menstrual problems, depressed immune functions, muscle spasms, renal tubular necrosis /
interstitial nephritis, dizziness, vomiting, and sciatica (discussed below), among others.
While some trials have shown Zinc Lozenges to be able to provide some relief with sore throats, other
studies showed only marginal results with cold-related symptoms, and none in regard to flu symptoms.
The same mixed results can be expected when using extra zinc for the relief of symptoms from herpes, AIDS,
or other infections. Whenever larger amounts of any nutrients (including zinc) are used for the symptomatic
relief of medical symptoms, they become drugs, and as such become capable of triggering drug-like side
effects or adverse reactions. Excessive and deficient zinc levels are associated with several types of cancer.
Potassium Chloride (Slow K) at pharmacies is the cheapest form available at about 35-50¢ per 1000 mg of
elemental potassium, Potassium Citrate (K-Lyte) at pharmacies is about 90-110¢ per 1000 mg, and at health
food stores (99 mg tabs) it is about 40-60¢ per 1000 mg, depending on the area, and source purchased from.
To meet minor potassium requirements, potassium chloride is also available in grocery stores as a table salt
substitute to season one's food, which is a cheap option (if it benefits someone's particular chemistry) at less
than 5¢ per 1,000 mg of elemental potassium.
When bought in bulk (mail order, wine making shops, garden centers), food-grade Potassium Bicarbonate
is by far the most cost-efficient way to meet major supplemental potassium requirements at less than
10¢ per 1,000 mg of elemental potassium, provided the alkalizing and calcium-sparing effect of potassium
bicarbonate matches one's requirements, and one is able to measure the correct amount in milligrams needed
per day. One half of a teaspoon (2½ g) of potassium bicarbonate provides about 1,000 mg of elemental
potassium, but if unfamiliar with metric measurements, it may be best to have someone with a milligram scale
(pharmacist) measure the exact amount, and then use that for reference in the preparation of the daily
amount needed [ 1 g (gram) = 1,000 mg (milligram) = 0.0353 ounces ].
If tolerated, slow-release Slow K tablets are the most convenient potassium supplements to take since there
is no preparation required, and unlike citrate or bicarbonate sources, they don't subject the body to a sudden
potassium spike that could trigger potential "overdose" - like symptoms such as a drop in blood pressure,
palpitations / irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, or watery stools (actual overdose symptoms are listed at
the bottom of this page).
For that reason, it is recommended that potassium drinks (i.e. K-Lyte) are consumed slowly over the course
of a meal, - or with potassium bicarbonate - spread over several hours if for instance an entire daily high
amount is dissolved in a single glass of a beverage. If in addition to low potassium an individual also suffers
from low (cellular) sodium, a small amount of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), or some table salt should be
added to the drink.
If tolerated, bulk sources of potassium bicarbonate are one of the purest forms of potassium that contain
none of the additives and fillers found in regular tablets, such as artificial flavors, dyes, saccharin, mineral oil,
dextrose, talc, and many others. Lemon juice will improve the taste of a potassium bicarbonate drink, and
depending on the amount added, lower the drink's pH enough to reduce the stomach acid buffering effect
commonly experienced, which in some individuals can lead to bloating, diarrhea, or other digestive complaints.
* * *
Similarly to Zinc, there is no storage of Potassium in the body, and it is easily lost in cooking, canning, and
processing of foods. Some is lost through perspiration, and the adrenal hormone aldosterone also stimulates
the elimination of potassium by the kidneys. Individuals with a family history of stroke may want to make
sure that they always meet, or even exceed optimal potassium requirements through diet or supplementation,
particularly when consuming meals containing above-average amounts of sodium - which should be avoided
whenever possible.
All fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts are a good source of potassium, however the potassium / sodium ratio
of these foods varies considerably, which can be used to one's advantage - not only for those who require
more potassium, but also for people who lack sodium and retain too much potassium.
Sources with the highest potassium / sodium (K/Na) ratio include beans, peas, potatoes, grains, nuts and
fruits - where for instance pistachios contain about 1000x more potassium than sodium, bananas nearly 400x
more potassium than sodium, and potatoes about 80x more potassium than sodium. In contrast, spinach,
celery, or beets contain only about 3x to 7x more potassium than sodium, with the same ratio applying to
whole milk, chicken and lamb, while eggs, beef and fish contain between 6x to 10x more potassium than
sodium. On the other hand, Kelp contains 2.6x more sodium than potassium.
In contrast to serum potassium, intracellular potassium levels are largely diet-dependent and increase on
a linear scale according to dietary intake, specific medical conditions, and the levels of interactive minerals
such as sodium, magnesium, lithium, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, chromium and others. Serum and cellular
potassium levels coincide only when both are at a low to normal range, and then only when blood potassium
was obtained following all the rules and precautions that assure accurate measurements.
If too much potassium is ingested or retained, intracellular measurements readily pick up those higher levels
in otherwise healthy individuals, where there is no change in serum potassium. These changes can be used
for diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive purposes.
In addition to medical situations that can lead to hyperkalemia (high serum potassium), cellular potassium
covers aspects of bladder functions, as well as right-sided ovarian and testicular properties, while cellular
zinc levels cover aspects of prostate / uterine functions, and left-sided ovarian and testicular properties.
Elevated potassium is invariably found with acute or chronic Cystitis (bladder infections) or right-sided
Ovarian cysts (but not dermoid or chocolate cysts), whereby right-sided ovarian and/or testicular Cancer
will always result in excessively high cellular potassium levels, which can also serve as a high risk
indicator to be suggestive of a pelvic scan.
Lowering potassium with any of a number of nutritional antagonists will resolve many bladder infections, or
(right-sided) ovarian cysts without any other intervention. In contrast, left-sided ovarian and/or testicular
Low potassium - particularly in the elderly - frequently results in weak bladder muscles and potential incon-
tinence when coughing or laughing. Under those circumstances, bladder infection-like symptoms can also
be experienced (including cloudy, or smelly urine), however they are somewhat different from a conventional
bacterial cystitis that goes hand in hand with high potassium levels, in that symptoms improve by raising
potassium to normal levels, provided there are no structural causes such as bladder prolapse.
Interstitial Cystitis frequently falls into this same low-potassium category.
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Cellular / Intracellular Attributes and Interactions:
Zinc Synergists:
Magnesium, chromium, cobalt, tin, Vitamin B2,
Vitamin D, Vitamin E, [Vitamin A - small amounts].
Zinc Antagonists / Inhibitors:
Iron, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, nickel,
copper, Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, niacin / niacinamide,
folic acid, choline, lecithin, alcohol, phytic acid,
oxalic acid, [Vitamin A - large amounts].
Note: Calcium is a zinc antagonist at low, or normal
phosphorus levels. However, with high phosphorus
levels, extra calcium may be required to reduce zinc
loss by helping to lower elevated phosphorus levels.
This can also be accomplished by adding Vitamin B5.
Potassium Synergists:
Calcium, copper, iodine, nickel, Vitamin B6,
Vitamin C.
Potassium Antagonists / Inhibitors:
Manganese, magnesium, sodium, chromium,
sulfur, phosphorus, cobalt, niacin / niacinamide,
PABA, Vitamin B12, folic acid, choline, lecithin,
alcohol, insulin (serum potassium).
Note: Magnesium is a potassium antagonist
at low, or normal sodium levels. However, with
high sodium levels, extra magnesium may be
required to reduce potassium loss by helping
to lower excessively high sodium levels.
Low Levels / Deficiency - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
Zinc:
Decreased growth, loss of taste and smell, sterility,
low sperm count, decreased wound healing, skin
rash, hair loss, heart disease, liver disease, kidney
disease, muscle weakness, enlarged prostate (BPH),
several types of cancer, calcium spurs, paralysis, high
blood pressure, arthritis, kidney stones, infertility,
impotence, diabetes, edema, toxemia of pregnancy,
cataracts, depression, learning / cognitive impairment.
Potassium:
Irregular and/or rapid heart beat, palpitations,
high blood pressure (hypertension), shortness
of breath, asthma, heart disease, chest pains,
stroke, paralysis, muscle spasms / weakness,
bladder weakness, edema (water retention),
kidney disease, liver disease, endometriosis,
frequent menstrual cycles, high blood sugar,
weight gain, fatigue, impotence.
Zinc:
Nausea, vomiting, dehydration, stomach ulcers,
gastrointestinal problems, prostatitis, higher risk
of several types of cancer, loss of libido, impotence,
joint / back pain, muscle weakness / cramps, anemia,
dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), ovarian cysts (left),
numbness, tingling, tremors, seizures, insomnia,
irritability, weakened immune system, hair loss.
High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
Potassium:
Irregular or slow heart beat, low blood pressure,
kidney disease, cystitis - bladder infections or
burning, higher risk of several types of cancer,
infrequent menstrual cycles, muscle spasms or
cramps, ovarian cysts (right), joint / back pains,
weakened immune system, impotence, anxiety,
insomnia, irritability, reactive hypoglycemia, coma.
Zinc Sources:
Oysters, soybeans, wheat germ, seeds, nuts,
lamb, beef, chicken, eggs, herring, milk, yeast.
Potassium Sources:
Fruit / juices, milk, potatoes, lentils, beans, molasses,
most vegetables, bananas, many nuts, wheat, beef. ¤
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General recommendations for nutritional supplementation: To avoid stomach problems and improve tolerance,
supplements should be taken earlier, or in the middle of a larger meal. When taken on an empty stomach or
after a meal, there is a greater risk of some tablets causing irritation, or eventually erosion of the esophageal
sphincter, resulting in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is also advisable not to lie down right after
taking pills. When taking a large daily amount of a single nutrient, it is better to split it up into smaller doses
to not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in food, or nutrients supplemented at lower amounts.
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Copyright © 2000-2012 Acu-Cell Nutrition - Potassium & Zinc
Although some individuals are able to maintain normal, or even higher zinc and potassium levels well into old
age, on average, both minerals tend to undergo a steady decline through middle age and beyond, coinciding
with a menopause and andropause-related decline of hormone levels in a majority of the population. This in
turn sets the stage for developing any number of medical disorders typically associated with, but not exclusive
to that age range, including high blood sugar and blood pressure-related issues, hormonal / metabolic health
and weight problems, where even those who never had a weight problem before are finding it difficult now to
maintain their weight.
For some, a higher dietary or supplemental intake of zinc and potassium will sufficiently support their testos-
terone and androgen status, while others may be offered hormonal support by their practitioners, which works
in part by reducing zinc and/or potassium loss. Both, the primary hormone precursor pregnenolone, as well as
the secondary hormone precursor DHEA will help maintain better zinc and potassium levels, however only an
individual assessment, and tolerance, will best determine which treatment approach to follow.
Prostatitis is invariably found with cellular zinc levels that range from above-normal, to excessively high.
Many alternative practitioners include zinc as part of their therapy trying to treat prostatitis, however only
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is sometimes related to below-normal levels
of zinc. At higher levels, zinc becomes pro-inflammatory, being a main reason why those who supplement
extra zinc for prostatitis generally worsen their symptoms. Instead, any approach that lowers zinc will more
Some menopausal females find Progesterone Cream helpful for Night Sweats, however it may not always be
the hormonal action of progesterone, but its subsequent zinc and potassium-raising effect through which the
night sweats are improved - particularly when high sodium retention is involved. Taking potassium and/or
zinc supplements instead may provide the same benefits.
Likewise, many weight loss formulations contain rather large amounts of potassium to take advantage of its
diuretic properties. While some people benefit from additional potassium and will lose water weight, those
with a tendency for hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes may end up worse as a result of that extra
potassium reducing manganese and chromium levels, which help stabilize blood sugar, and partly as a result
of potassium reducing sodium, which slows insulin response. In addition, lowering chromium too much as a
result of long-term high potassium intake can contribute to osteoporosis of trabecular bone (spine or end-part
of a bone).
Total Cholesterol (not LDL or HDL) levels are somewhat affected by potassium levels, whereby low choles-
terol is often found in the presence of low potassium, while Total Triglycerides are somewhat affected by
zinc levels, whereby low triglycerides are frequently found in the presence of low zinc. Some exceptions
apply, particularly when high calcium and/or magnesium levels are involved, which have a lowering effect on
total triglycerides (calcium) and total cholesterol levels (magnesium) also.
Sciatica: Most sciatic conditions that are not related to a herniated disk can be linked to an abnormal zinc /
potassium ratio, or less commonly to an abnormal selenium / sulfur ratio. More than 25 years ago, I used to
treat sciatica with either ear or body Acupuncture, and in severe cases implanted tiny needles in patients'
ears for ongoing, or permanent pain control.
Similar techniques have been used by other practitioners around the world for a variety of medical conditions,
with for instance Dr Ulrich Werth reporting a 96.5% improvement with the symptoms of Parkinson's disease
after permanently implanting titanium needles at strategic points in patients' ears.
In the treatment of sciatica though, I noticed that the implanted needles had the unique effect of changing
cellular zinc or potassium levels in those patients, so I subsequently used the same side-specific mineral
instead of applying acupuncture, with their sciatica improving the same, without any other therapy, and at
times even faster than previously accomplished with acupuncture.
This would certainly challenge the common assumption that the release of endorphins is the only mechanism
by which acupuncture is able to provide pain relief.
If too much of the mineral was supplemented, the sciatica would initially improve, but then eventually shift
over to the other side - creating the opposite mineral ratio of before (instead of a low zinc / high potassium
ratio, it would now be a low potassium / high zinc ratio).
Using the paired (associated) mineral, the sciatica would shift back to a no-pain state, or if overdosed, back
to the original side, so achieving permanent results depends on supplementing the right amount of the side-
specific mineral.
Even if chiropractic adjustments are used to treat sciatica, the number of treatments can be substantially
reduced by normalizing the corresponding mineral ratio, and they will last longer, if not permanently (see also
The same approach can be used with many one-sided Headaches / Migraines as well, where they can be
made to shift back and forth between the two sides, using either associated mineral pairs, or specific vitamin
combinations, although double-sided headaches won't respond to this therapy, since there are no means of
Some less common forms of Multiple Sclerosis present with very low cellular zinc and/or potassium levels,
and although the diagnosis is confirmed through MS-specific symptoms and MRI-verified demyelination and
lesions, symptoms readily improve when normalizing the patient's zinc and potassium status.
That same association to diminished motor nerve activity can also be seen in some children or teens, who
tend to do very poorly in any type of Sports and Gymnastics, and whose athletic performance steadily
improves after raising their previously very low zinc, and very low potassium levels. ¤
Acu-Cell Nutrition
Zinc:
DRI (RDA):
0-6 months
6-12 months
1-10 years
11-18 years males
19 + years males
11-18 years females
19 + years females
pregnant
lactating
2mg AI
3mg
3mg - 8mg
8mg - 11mg
11mg
8mg - 9mg
8mg
11-12mg
12-13mg
Potassium:
DRI (RDA):
0-6 months
6-12 months
1-10 years
11-18 years males
19 + years males
11-18 years females
19 + years females
pregnant
lactating
1,000mg = 1g
400mg AI
700mg AI
3,000mg - 4,500mg AI
4,500mg - 4,700mg AI
4,700mg AI
4,500mg - 4,700mg AI
4,700mg AI
4,700mg AI
5,100mg AI
UL: n/a
Therapeutic Range: 300mg - 15,000mg +
Best time to take Potassium: Anytime during the
day, in divided doses with food. If taken late evening,
one may have get up frequently at night to urinate.
UL: 4mg - 40mg
Therapeutic Range: 10mg - 250mg +
Best time to take Zinc: Anytime during the day,
with food, to prevent stomach upsets, but not at the
same time with any zinc antagonists listed below:
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2012 Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) - Adequate Intake (AI) - Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) - Recommended Dietary Allowance / Intake (RDA / RDI)
Zinc
Potassium
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1,000 mg provides 398 mg of K - or 2,513 mg = 1,000 mg of elemental potassium
1,000 mg provides 390 mg of K - or 2,564 mg = 1,000 mg of elemental potassium
1,000 mg provides 520 mg of K - or 1,923 mg = 1,000 mg of elemental potassium
1,000 mg provides 382 mg of K - or 2,618 mg = 1,000 mg of elemental potassium
1,000 mg provides 156 mg of K - or 6,410 mg = 1,000 mg of elemental potassium
Potassium Acetate:
Potassium Bicarbonate:
Potassium Chloride:
Potassium Citrate:
Potassium Gluconate:
Potassium is one of the electrolytes that with sodium is involved in the maintenance of normal water balance,
osmotic equilibrium, acid-base balance, and it is crucial to cardiovascular and nerve functions. It is also the
primary positive cation found within the cells, and along with calcium serves an important role in heart muscle
contractions, skeletal muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmissions, and the release of energy from food.
Potassium is involved as a co-factor in several enzyme systems which include protein synthesis, carbohydrate
metabolism, and it affects uptake of amino acids into cells.
In addition to calcium and magnesium, potassium helps maintain normal Blood Pressure, and next to iron,
potassium is one of the most commonly prescribed minerals, since some potassium is often lost when certain
diuretics28 (water pills) are prescribed. For the same reason, serum potassium is commonly measured as part
of routine lab tests, although Lab Errors (pseudohyperkalemia - false elevated serum potassium levels), are
frequently encountered when several dozen variables such as improper fist-clenching / collection technique,
transport, centrifuge's spinning or g-force, hemolysis, etc, affect the accuracy of potassium measurements.
As a result, many patients' potassium levels appear normal when they actually suffer from hypokalemia (low
serum potassium), while others are erroneously treated for hyperkalemia (high serum potassium), when their
potassium is in fact perfectly normal. Red Blood Cell Potassium, or Intracellular Potassium (Acu-Cell Analysis)
are much better and more accurate indicators of a patient's true potassium status.
Serum potassium is generally well regulated in healthy individuals and not much affected by a high dietary
potassium intake, so toxicity is not an issue, as the kidneys readily excrete excessive potassium. Only renal
failure, heart or liver disease, metabolic acidosis, Addison's disease, major burns or muscle trauma, gastro-
intestinal bleeding, certain drugs..., could lead to elevated blood potassium (hyperkalemia). However even in
healthy individuals, supplementing too much potassium may affect the balance of other electrolytes such as
magnesium, sodium, chloride..., or it may cause irregular heartbeat, vomiting or diarrhea.
Potassium deficiency (low serum potassium = hypokalemia) may be associated with high blood pressure,
congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, palpitations, muscle weakness, hyperthyroid, mental apathy,
blood sugar disorders, depression, erectile dysfunctions (impotence), fatigue, and general weakness, while
severe potassium loss can cause death. Temporary loss of potassium can result from profuse sweating
(heavy exercise, viral infections), or diarrhea and vomiting, which can also be a concern in infants.
While the average diet usually provides adequate amounts of potassium for the average, healthy individual,
hormonal or organic disorders, prescribed or recreational drugs taken - including nutritional supplements such
as licorice, malabsorption, one-side diets, a high sugar intake, or working in a hot, humid environment
(sweating), may be some of the reasons requiring extra intake of potassium.
How to take Potassium Supplements
Potassium supplements in health food stores are generally sold as gluconate or citrate, and they are limited
to 100mg (or 99mg) per tablet, while in addition to acetate, bicarbonate or bitartrate, the most common forms
dispensed in pharmacies are potassium chloride and potassium citrate.
Potassium is measured in milliequivalents (mEq), whereby 1 mEq equals 75 mg of potassium chloride, and
102 mg of potassium citrate. The amount of elemental potassium contained in a supplement is calculated
by multiplying the mEq by 39, its atomic weight. So an 8 mEq / 600 mg Potassium Chloride tablet provides
312 mg of elemental potassium, while a 25 mEq / 2.55 g Potassium Citrate tablet provides 975 mg of
elemental potassium.
When high-potency potassium chloride tablets are taken, they come in a slow-release form ("Slow K"), since
the high amounts of chloride in the tablets could otherwise trigger gastrointestinal distress or bleeding ulcers.
For the same reason, the tablets should be swallowed whole, and not chewed or cut in half. Those at a higher
risk of developing osteoporosis, but requiring larger daily doses of potassium, are generally advised of taking
"K-Lyte," available at pharmacies, which is an effervescent - and orange-flavored form of potassium citrate.
In contrast to potassium chloride, potassium citrate has a more favorable effect on bone mineral density, and
other medical conditions such as polycystic kidney disease, or kidney stones.
Updated: 15. Jan. 2012