According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, most adults do not get enough potassium. Potassium is a macromineral, meaning it is needed in large amounts for the body to function properly. It plays a major role in heart and muscle function as well as ensuring each cell in the body functions properly. It is also an electrolyte, responsible for maintaining proper fluid balance. For adults age 19 or older, 4.7 g per day are recommended. MayoClinic.com reports that potassium blood levels in the healthy range are between 3.7 and 4.8 mEq/L and very low potassium measures under 2.5 mEq/L and can be fatal.
Causes
Low levels of potassium, or hypokalemia, are defined as measuring less than 3.5 mEq/L. This condition rarely occurs from lack of potassium in the diet. Hypokalemia occurs from interactions with medications such as antibiotics and diuretics; excessive loss of fluids through sweating, vomiting, urination, diarrhea or laxative use; kidney disease or some types of thyroid disease; or consuming large amounts of licorice or products containing licorice.
Symptoms and Treatment
Low levels of potassium can cause symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, constipation, fatigue, muscle weakness or paralysis. Treatment may include potassium supplements or a change in medication. Treatment with potassium can interfere with medications such as ACE inhibitors, antibiotics and some diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, blood clotting medication, beta-blockers, insulin, antacids, laxatives or some asthma medications.
High Blood Pressure
There may be a link between insufficient potassium and the development of high blood pressure. The use of potassium has been shown in some cases to cause blood pressure to decrease slightly, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, but evidence is not conclusive. The American Heart Association states that another effect of potassium is to help balance sodium circulating in the blood. The DASH diet, designed to lower blood pressure, consists of foods high in potassium, which may also contribute to reducing blood pressure.
Prevention
Consult your physician to assess your blood potassium levels and whether or not you need a potassium supplement. To help meet your daily requirements, consume these high-potassium foods regularly: tomatoes, orange juice, beets, dates, raisins, oranges, halibut, potatoes, and soybeans.
Considerations
Due to the various possible interactions, avoid taking potassium supplements without your doctor’s approval. A simple blood test can determine if you need supplementation. A wide variety of foods on a regular basis will help meet all of your vitamin and mineral needs. Too much potassium is also dangerous, especially for elderly persons, who may have decreased kidney function. Because some seasoning products contain potassium chloride, consult your physician before use if you are being treated with potassium supplements.
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