Potassium has a number of functions in the body, including keeping the heart, cells and muscles functioning properly. Adequate dietary intake of potassium may also lower the risk of developing certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis. However, potassium supplements interact with certain medications so these need to be taken under a doctor's supervision, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Potassium and Bone
An article by Frances A. Tylavsky published in the "Journal of Nutrition" in 2008 states that the buffering action of potassium against high acid levels in the body may be responsible for the connection between higher intakes of potassium and higher levels of bone mineral density.
Considerations
People who use diuretics, those with chronic diarrhea, those who exercise frequently at high intensity and those with heart problems may need extra potassium, according to the George Mateljan Foundation. Symptoms of potassium deficiency include fatigue, irritability, confusion and muscle weakness.
Sources
Many fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium, including spinach, chard, lima beans, mushrooms, winter squash, yam, banana, prunes, potatoes, lentils, oranges and avocado. Multivitamins also contain potassium, but the amount is limited due to the potential risks of interactions or toxicity.
Warning
People who take potassium supplements in amounts greater than that in a multivitamin require the monitoring of a doctor, and those who have kidney disease or take potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, cyclosporine, heparin or the antibiotic Trimethoprimand sulfamethoxazole should not take potassium supplements, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Expert Insight
The Linus Pauling Institute recommends consuming a diet that includes at least 4.7 mg of potassium per day, mainly from fruits and vegetables, since this may decrease the risk of osteoporosis, as well as hypertension, kidney stones and stroke.
