Potassium is an essential mineral. Potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia, can cause serious health problems and be life threatening. A healthy diet can provide all the potassium a person needs to prevent and treat hypokalemia, but in some cases a potassium supplement or intravenous potassium may be warranted.
Function of Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte that conducts electricity through the body. It also supports heart function, muscle contractions and digestion.
Causes of Potassium Deficiency
Potassium deficiencies can occur due to a variety of reasons. According to the Merck Manual of Health & Aging, one of the most common causes of a potassium deficiency is the use of diuretics which increase urine output and potassium excretion. Antibiotic and drug use, eating disorders, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating and kidney diseases can also lead to a potassium deficiency.
Potassium Deficiency Symptoms
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, low potassium can cause constipation, fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps and rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown in muscle fibers. Severe potassium deficiency can result in paralysis and abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can impact blood flow throughout the body and be life threatening.
Potassium-Rich Foods
Potassium is available in a variety of fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products according to Colorado State University. Fruits and vegetables high in potassium include bananas, apricots, avocados, melon, nectarines, prunes, raisins, dates, carrots, celery, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, winter squash, beans, sweet potatoes and potatoes. Meat sources of potassium include chicken, turkey, fish and canned salmon and tuna. Milk, yogurt and buttermilk are high-potassium dairy products. Molasses and unsalted nuts are also good sources of potassium.
Potassium Supplements
Potassium supplements are available in pill and liquid forms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, supplemental forms of potassium include potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, potassium chloride and potassium gluconate. Side effects of potassium supplements include diarrhea, nausea, muscle weakness and abnormal heart rhythms. The UMMC warns that potassium supplements should not be used by people with kidney disease and those with existing high potassium, or hyperkalemia. Potassium supplements interact with various prescription drugs and should only be taken under supervision by a physician.
Member Comments