Potassium is a mineral that's classified as an electrolyte. Vital to good digestion, potassium also regulates metabolism and muscle tissue, according to the National Institutes of Health, and helps your body conduct electricity. Most people get enough potassium from the foods they eat. Don't take potassium as a food supplement without a doctor's consent.
About Potassium Supplements
Potassium is found in multivitamins, but it is also sold as a dietary supplement, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Potassium is found in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, powders and liquids. Various types of potassium supplements are available, including potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, potassium citrate and potassium gluconate. The UMMC advises you to talk to your doctor before taking potassium as a food supplement.
Avoid Potassium Supplements
Never give potassium supplements to children, reports the UMMC. Elderly individuals should not take potassium without a doctor's consent. Older individuals are already predisposed to high potassium levels because their kidneys can no longer filter out excess potassium. Additionally, the elderly are more likely to take medications that cause elevated potassium levels, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and angiotensin converting enzyme, or ACE, inhibitors. Also, avoid potassium supplements if you have kidney disease. As mentioned, potassium supplements should only be taken at your doctor's behest.
Potassium Supplement Side-Effects
Potassium supplements can cause side effects such as stomach irritation, nausea and diarrhea. When taken in excess, you might notice a decreased heart rate, muscle weakness or an abnormal heart rhythm, reports the UMMC.
Potassium in Daily Diet
Your recommended daily intake of potassium is 4.7 gm, according to the National Institutes of Health. Your need for potassium supplements is unlikely because this mineral is found in several foods that are a part of your daily diet. Potassium-rich foods include all types of meat and fish, soy foods, broccoli, lima beans, peas, tomatoes, potatoes, winter squash, citrus fruits, bananas, kiwi, prunes, dried and fresh apricots, cantaloupe, milk, yogurt and nuts.
Talk to Your Doctor
Low potassium can cause a condition called hypokalemia. According to MayoClinic.Com, low potassium can be caused by takinc diuretics or laxatives, eating disorders, vomiting and/or diarrhea and medical conditions such as kidney failure. Potassium supplements may be used to treat hypokalemia, but your doctor may also need to change or adjust a medication you're taking or address an underlying medical condition using another type of treatment. If you suspect you have low potassium, don't self-treat with supplements. Instead, talk to your doctor.
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