Numerous biological processes utilize the mineral potassium, including digestion, muscle contraction and heart function. Many foods contain potassium, and most people ingest enough potassium through diet. The most frequent causes of low potassium levels are health conditions that alter potassium levels in the blood. However, some people's dietary intake of potassium may be insufficient to meet nutritional needs, particularly if their diets contain high amounts of sodium. A potassium deficiency, also known as hypokalemia, can cause medical problems with several symptoms.
Muscle Weakness
Potassium is an electrolyte required for chemicals to communicate within the body. Electrolytes are vital for muscle contractions. If potassium levels are low, this will affect the ability of muscles to contract. In some cases, potassium deficiency can cause the muscles to contract involuntarily, leading to cramps or muscle spasms. In other cases, insufficient potassium can prevent muscles from fully contracting, leading to muscle weakness. A general feeling of fatigue and low energy are also symptoms of low potassium.
Intestinal Paralysis
The smooth muscles that line the digestive tract also require potassium to function properly. A potassium deficiency can prevent contraction of the muscles of the digestive tract, leading to intestinal paralysis and constipation. Intestinal paralysis can also lead to bloating and abdominal discomfort or pain.
Heart Problems
The heart is composed of smooth muscle tissue, and needs potassium to beat with the correct rhythm. Low levels of potassium can interfere with the heartbeat, leading to abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias. This risk is increased in people with existing heart disease. Abnormal heart rhythms are often detected by abnormal readings on an electrocardiogram, or EKG.
Additional Symptoms
Evidence suggests that low levels of potassium may also lead to high blood pressure. Left untreated, a long-term potassium deficiency can lead to paralysis of the lungs or other muscles. Breakdown of muscle tissues, also known as rhabdomyolysis, may also result from long-term potassium deficiency.
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