Potassium is a nutrient that is crucial for certain body processes to occur. When blood levels of this important nutrient are low--a condition called hypokalemia--irregular heartbeats can occur. Low serum levels of potassium may mean you are not taking in enough potassium or are losing a lot of potassium. Treatment for this condition involves replenishing the body's potassium content.
Benefits
Electrolytes are substances that can conduct electricity. There are several electrolytes in the body, and potassium is one of them. According to Medscape, 98 percent of the potassium in the body is found inside the cells. The serum contains 2 percent of the body's potassium. Coordinated movement of potassium and other electrolytes into and out of the cells generates energy that helps the nerves respond to stimulation. Muscles in the body also need this energy to contract. The heart is a muscle that contracts rhythmically, so it needs potassium to work properly. Smooth muscles and skeletal muscles in the body also need potassium to function effectively.
Causes
Though uncommon, low serum potassium levels can occur when dietary intake of potassium is poor. Hypokalemia is typically caused by excessive loss of potassium from diarrhea, too much vomiting or as a result of certain diseases. Diuretics are medications that remove excess fluids from the body via urine. Some diuretics such as furosemide cause potassium loss as excess fluids leave the body. Potassium loss can also occur through frequent watery stools or when you have chronic diarrhea. Inappropriate use of laxatives for constipation can cause diarrhea.
Hyperaldosteronism is a disease that can cause potassium loss and hypokalemia. The adrenal glands make a hormone called aldosterone. This hormone normally signals the kidneys to lose more potassium and less sodium. However, in hyperaldosteronism, the adrenal glands overproduce aldosterone. In response, the kidneys excrete excessive amounts of potassium, and this then leads to hypokalemia.
Signs
Because potassium is needed for nerve and muscle function, when it is low, symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis and fatigue can occur. The digestive system is made of smooth muscles that can become weak in hypokalemia. This results in symptoms such as abdominal pain and constipation. Abnormal heartbeats can occur in severe hypokalemia.
Treatment
To diagnose hypokalemia, blood tests are used to measure serum levels of potassium. Mild cases of hypokalemia are treated by administering potassium supplements orally. In more severe forms of hypokalemia, intravenous potassium is administered. Treatment of this condition also involves addressing causative factors such as diseases. Here, conditions such as hyperaldosteronism would be treated to resolve hypokalemia.
Recommendations
According to Medline Plus, the Food and Nutrition Center of the Institute of Medicine recommends that adults consume 4.7 g of potassium in their diet daily. Women who are breastfeeding need a slightly higher amount of potassium, while people who have certain diseases or who are taking some types of medicines may need to consume less potassium. It is best to consult a physician to determine how much potassium you need to consume on a daily basis.
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