The recommended dietary intake of potassium, 4.7 g or higher, is more than adequately provided through the many foods that contain potassium, according to Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Lowered potassium levels are usually caused by medications, disease or illness. The use of diuretics for high blood pressure is the most common reason for low potassium levels. The risks of low potassium range from fatigue to death. Doctors use blood testing to monitor patients who are at risk for potassium deficiency.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is a metabolic disorder caused be severe potassium loss. Symptoms include abnormal heart rhythms, fatigue, constipation, and spasms and weakness of the muscles. Hypokalemia can lead to paralysis, which can involve the lungs, and it can progress over time to kidney damage, known as hypokalemic nephropathy. Hypokalemia can lead to death.
High Blood Pressure
Low potassium levels can cause high blood pressure and salt sensitivity. Potassium is critical to healthy heart functioning. Maintaining the recommended dietary intake of potassium, 4.7 g or higher, can result in moderate decreases in blood pressure levels.
Electrolyte Loss
Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals present in bodily fluids. Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates the amount of water in the body and regulates blood chemistry and muscle function. Electrolyte loss can occur when the amount of water in your body is significantly depleted. Children can suffer electrolyte loss while playing sports or other activities. Sweating, diarrhea, vomiting and some medications or medical conditions can result in the loss of electrolytes, including potassium, which must be replenished by drinking water or special electrolyte replacement drinks.
Causes of Potassium Loss
Causes of hypokalemia include diuretics, insulin, steroids, laxatives, diarrhea, vomiting, bulimia, sweating and rare disorders of the kidney and adrenal gland. Although most potassium loss is through the digestive tracts, some diseases and conditions cause too much potassium to be excreted in the urine. These include diseases of the adrenal gland, Cushing's syndrome, Liddle syndrome, Gitelman's syndrome and Bartter syndrome. Hyperthyroidism can cause too much potassium to move from the bloodstream to cells. Use of chewing tobacco and consuming large quantities of licorice also can cause potassium loss.
Prevention and Treatment
Because the causes of potassium deficiency are well-known, it is helpful to work with your physician to prevent the condition. It is especially important to talk to your doctor before taking potassium supplements. An increase in potassium-rich foods--like bananas, prune juice, potatoes or honeydew melons--may be helpful or your condition may require potassium given intravenously. Testing for potassium levels may be required to determine the seriousness of potassium loss.
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