Potassium deficiency is uncommon in the United States, as most people obtain enough potassium through diet or supplementation with standard multivitamins. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or digestive disorders, may be at increased risk for deficiency. A confirmation of deficiency by a medical professional is important before beginning supplementation with potassium, as too much potassium can be toxic.
Symptoms of Mild Deficiency
According to the National Institutes of Health, minor deficiency of potassium may cause no symptoms. In some cases, mild symptoms may develop that include weakness, irritability, confusion, fatigue and heart rhythm abnormalities. This level of deficiency may be caused by insufficient dietary intake of potassium.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is a potentially life-threatening effect of potassium deficiency that may occur when levels of potassium inside the body drop rapidly due to prolonged vomiting, kidney disease, overuse of diuretics or metabolic disturbances. According to Oregon State University, hypokalemia may cause muscle cramps or spasms, abdominal pain, and intestinal or lung paralysis. If left untreated, muscular paralysis and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias may occur.
Impaired Muscle Contraction and Nerve Transmission
Adequate levels of potassium are vital to the regulation of muscle and nerve activity in the body, according to the George Mateljan Foundation. Potassium moves in and out of the cells in muscles and nerves through specialized channels. When this free movement of potassium is compromised or blocked due to deficiency or another cause, muscle contraction and nerve transmission is severely impaired. The effects of this range from mild muscle cramping and nerve excitability to complete paralysis.
High Blood Pressure
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that potassium deficiency increases the risk of high blood pressure and that supplementation with potassium may reduce this risk. Potassium supplements do not help everyone, however, and they should not be used in lieu of traditional treatments for hypertension.
Other Effects of Potassium Deficiency
When potassium levels are too low, many essential bodily functions become deregulated. Potassium plays a key role in the storage of carbohydrates inside the body and in maintaining the body's pH and electrolyte balance. Potassium also prevents urinary calcium loss caused by high-sodium intake, thereby improving calcium levels in the body and preventing bone loss.
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