Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte that helps the cells, tissues and organs of the body function properly. Potassium is important for healthy digestion, muscle and skeletal health and for a healthy heart. Potassium may help to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of stroke. Low levels of potassium in the blood causes hypokalemia, which can become life-threatening when left untreated and may require medical attention.
Causes
High levels of sodium in the diet may increase the body's need for potassium. Excessive use of diuretics or laxatives causes potassium loss through the urine, which can cause low levels of potassium. Digestive disorders, such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome that can cause vomiting, malabsorption of nutrients or diarrhea can decrease potassium levels. Not getting enough potassium through diet is rare. Potassium deficiencies are often detected through blood tests performed for other conditions such as bulimia, Cushing's disease, kidney or adrenal disease or diabetic conditions.
Symptoms
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that the recommended daily amount of potassium for adults is 2,000 mg. Children younger than 10 years of age require 1,000 to 1,600 mg daily; 500 to 1,000 mg are recommended for infants up to 1 year old. Low levels of potassium can cause weakness, muscle cramps, fatigue, constipation or abnormal heart rhythms.
Dietary Sources
Foods with more than 200 mg per serving are considered the highest sources of potassium. High-potassium sources in the diet include a serving of pinto beans or lentils, soy milk, salmon, turkey, lean beef, sunflower seeds and peanut butter, dairy products such as yogurt, 2 percent milk and low-fat cottage cheese, and molasses. Fresh broccoli, cauliflower, greens beans and corns, as well as salted peanuts and ricotta cheese are considered medium sources of potassium, offering the body between 100 and 200 mg per serving.
Potassium Supplements
Potassium is found in most multivitamins. Potassium supplements are available in tablets, liquids, capsules and powder form. Potassium comes in a variety of forms including potassium chloride, potassium acetate, potassium gluconate, potassium bicarbonate and potassium citrate. Some medications may interact with potassium supplements. Speak with a medical professional before supplementing with potassium if being treated for high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes or migraines. Certain medications, such as antacids, corticosteroids, fluconazole used to treat fungal infections, insulin and theophylline used to treat asthma, may cause potassium levels to decease, which can require additional supplementation.
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