Potassium is important for maintaining membrane potential and contributing to the activity of enzymes inside cells throughout the body. The potassium content inside cells is about 30 times higher than outside cells, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. A potassium deficiency, also called hypokalemia, is rare but can occur in people with medical conditions that affect the uptake or secretion of potassium by the body.
Deficiency Levels
A normal blood level is about 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter, or mEq/L, of potassium, according to MayoClinic.com. A levels below 2.5 mEq/L is considered a severe potassium deficiency that can cause life-threatening complications. Symptoms typically appear first and a blood test is used to diagnose the deficiency.
Immediate Health Issues
People who develop a potassium deficiency can experience muscle problems, including weakness, twitching and paralysis. If muscle paralysis affects the intestines, bloating, constipation and abdominal discomfort can occur. In some cases, severe hypokalemia can lead to a racing heart or irregular heartbeat. Someone with a severe potassium deficiency could go into cardiac arrest and die.
Chronic Disease
People with low levels of potassium are at higher risk for a number of chronic diseases and have an increased likelihood of suffering a stroke. Getting sufficient dietary potassium also can help prevent osteoporosis, since this mineral interacts with calcium to keep bones healthy. Adequate levels of potassium also might be involved in keeping blood pressure under control.
Recommended Intake
Most healthy people over 14 need 4,700 mg of potassium per day, according to guidelines set by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine. Breastfeeding mothers need slightly more, about 5,100 mg per day. Children between the ages of 9 and 13 should get 4,500 mg daily, and those 4 to 8 years old need 3,800 mg daily. Toddlers between 1 and 3 need 3,000 mg, babies from 7 months old to 1 year need 700 mg, and those under 6 months of age should get 400 mg a day.
Risk Factors
People who use certain types of diuretics, such as thiazide diuretics or furosemide, can develop a potassium deficiency. Alcoholics, anorexics and bulemics also can be prone to deficiency. People who eat a lot of black licorice also can experience a depletion in potassium. Diseases that impact the adrenal or thyroid glands also can contribute to a potassium deficiency, as can an illness that causes severe vomiting or diarrhea.
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