Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weak or brittle bones. People with this condition are more likely to suffer broken bones or fractures. In fact, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that osteoporosis is responsible for 2 million fractures annually. You can prevent osteoporosis by ensuring you get enough vitamin D and calcium and by doing weight-bearing exercises, for example walking and weightlifting. The mineral potassium might also help to increase bone density and stave off the development of this condition. Talk to your doctor before taking potassium supplements.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Potassium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in maintaining cell function and enzyme production. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University notes that it might also play a role in the prevention or treatment of a number of conditions including stroke, kidney stones and hypertension. It adds that it might also play a role in the prevention of osteoporosis by boosting bone mineral density in pre- and post- menopausal women and elderly men.
Sources and Administration
A variety of foods contain potassium, although the richest sources of potassium are fruits and vegetables such as prunes, oranges, tomatoes and spinach. Potassium is also available as dietary supplement. Guidance regarding the dose required to prevent osteoporosis is lacking, but the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University states that up to 6, 000 mg per day has been used in clinical studies. Ask your doctor for advice on an appropriate dose.
Effectiveness
The results of a study in 266 elderly postmenopausal women, published in February 2009 in "Osteoporosis International," show that potassium increases bone mineral density, leading the authors to suggest that it might play a role in the prevention of osteoporosis. Research findings published in May 2003 in "Nutrition Review" also show that potassium might even counteract the damaging effects of a high salt diet on bone density.
Safety Considerations
Taking a potassium supplement might cause side effects including diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. However, Linus Pauling Institute notes that taking your potassium supplement with meals helps reduce these effects. Taking high doses might cause a condition known as hyperkalemia, which produces muscle weakness, temporary paralysis and abnormal heart rhythms. Taking potassium alongside certain medicines might increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Check with your doctor that it is safe for you to take potassium supplements alongside any medicines you might be using.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoporosis
- Linus Pauling Institute: Potassium
- "Osteoporosis International"; The Effects of High Potassium Consumption on Bone Mineral Density in a Prospective Cohort Study of Elderly Postmenopausal Women; K. Zhu, et al.; February 2009
- "Nutrition Review"; High Salt Intake Appears to Increase Bone Resorption in Postmenopausal Women But High Potassium Intake Ameliorates This Adverse Effect; M. Harrington and K.D. Cashman; May 2003
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