As an electrolyte and essential mineral, potassium helps maintain the structural integrity of your cells, which is crucial for proper heart function, nerve signal transmission and muscle contraction. The amount of potassium you need each day varies depending on your age, usually between 400 and 5,100 mg. Including potassium-rich foods, such as potatoes, bananas, spinach and raisins, in your diet is the best way to get your daily dose of potassium. If you can't get enough potassium through your diet, incorporating potassium supplements into your daily regimen will help boost your potassium levels. Talk with your medical provider about the safety of potassium supplements before beginning treatment.
Warnings
Do not give children younger than 18 potassium supplements unless instructed to do so by a doctor. In addition, adults should only use potassium supplements if under the care of a doctor.
Contraindications
Treatment with potassium supplements may be inappropriate if you have certain health concerns. People with pre-existing kidney disease shouldn't take potassium supplements. Kidney damage caused by disease may make it difficult for these organs to filter excess potassium from your body, which may increase your risk of developing hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is a condition in which your blood levels of potassium are abnormally elevated. If you have been diagnosed with hyperkalemia, don't use potassium supplements.
Drug Interactions
Potassium supplements may interact with other drugs you may be taking. Avoid taking potassium supplements in conjunction with beta blockers, cyclosporine, trimethoprimand sulfamethoxazole, heparin, ACE inhibitors or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs may elevate your potassium levels, which may increase your likelihood of developing potassium toxicity.
Toxicity
Healthy potassium levels usually range between 3.6 and 4.8 milliequivalents per liter, or mEq/L. Taking more than your recommended dose of potassium may cause your blood potassium levels to spike above 6 mEq/L, causing hyperkalemia. Symptoms of potassium toxicity require immediate medical treatment and include heart rate irregularities, weakness or temporary paralysis. You can reduce your risk of developing hyperkalemia by only taking potassium supplements as directed by your doctor.
Adverse Reactions
Even when you use potassium supplements appropriately, you may still experience mild adverse reactions. Stomach irritation is common and may result in nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or diarrhea. If diarrhea persists for more than a few days, consult your doctor, because you may be at risk of becoming dehydrated. Taking your daily dose of potassium with a small snack or meal may help limit stomach irritation.
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