Potassium is a mineral that is needed for all cells in the human body due to its role as an electrolyte. Abnormally low potassium levels can affect nerve and muscle function and are usually caused by the body losing potassium. Potassium can be lost from the body due to gastrointestinal problems, kidney disease, hormonal imbalances and certain medications.
Gastrointestinal Loss
One way in which potassium can be lost from the body is due to gastrointestinal disease. The fluid in the digestive tract is relatively rich in potassium. As a result, severe or chronic diarrhea, either due to an underlying problem with the digestive tract or due to laxative use can cause abnormally low potassium levels, also known as hypokalemia, MayoClinic.com explains. Vomiting, either due to illness or due to bulimia, will also deplete your body of potassium.
Kidney Disease
One of the major functions of the kidney is to filter through the blood and maintain the levels of different electrolytes in your body, including potassium. Conditions that impair your kidney function will cause you to lose excessive amounts of potassium through your urine. Renal tubular acidosis, which can be caused by certain chemotherapy medications such as cisplatin, can cause hypokalemia, ChemoCare.com states. Hypokalemia may also be the result of a rare genetic disorder known as Fanconi syndrome which causes you to lose numerous compounds through your urine, including potassium, the Merck Manual of Health notes.
Hormonal Disorders
You can lose large amounts of potassium in your urine even if your kidneys are functioning properly. That's because the amount of potassium your kidneys retain is controlled by levels of certain hormones. High levels of aldosterone or cortisol, two hormones which are made by the adrenal glands, can result in hypokalemia, the Merck Manual of Health explains. Some tumors secrete another hormone, known as renin, which can also deplete your body of potassium.
Medications
Certain medications can also cause you to lose potassium. For example, many diuretics, including loop diuretics and thiazides cause you to excrete extra potassium in your urine. High doses of penicillin and related antibiotics, such as carbenicillin will also lead to hypokalemia. The antifungal medication amphotericin B also may result in potassium loss. Potassium levels will normalize once these medications are stopped, meaning that the hypokalemia is usually temporary.
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