Not contradicting your view that the article isn't very diligent, but have you heard of oxidation? Atoms constantly react to the environment, they can bond wit

Not contradicting your view that the article isn't very diligent, but have you heard of oxidation? Atoms constantly react to the environment, they can bond with other atoms, form new compounds. Oxidation time varies, in the case of potassium it is very fast, the claims in the articles would stand. Potassium, calcium, and magnesium are always fully oxidized in foods. These elements are very reactive with water and oxygen; on Earth they are not naturally found in less oxidized forms.