Does Low Potassium Cause Muscle Twitches?

Potassium is the most common mineral in cellular fluid, but it is also important for the proper contraction of both skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle and for nerve transmission. One early warning symptom of low potassium levels may be muscle twitches, tingling or cramps. Low potassium levels affect many organ systems and can be a threat to your health and should be checked by a health care practitioner.

About Potassium

Potassium is vital to virtually every process in the body. It is essential to proper functioning of the nervous system, the heart, muscles and most other organs in the body. It is responsible for nerve signal transmission, cardiac muscle contraction and skeletal muscle contraction, working along with sodium and calcium to send appropriate signals. It aids in stable blood pressure and proper kidney functioning. It helps to maintain acid-base balance within the body, making it important for the respiratory system and kidneys. It is also important for the growth and regeneration of body tissues.

Symptoms of Low Potassium

Low potassium levels can occur naturally due to inadequate dietary consumption. Some medications, such as diuretics, may cause you to lose too much potassium. Excessive sweating may also cause potassium loss. Early symptoms of low potassium may include tiredness, itching and muscular symptoms such as twitching, tingling and muscle cramps. More serious symptoms may include cognitive impairment, cardiac arrhythmia, extreme fatigue, excessive thirst and respiratory distress which may warrant emergency medical attention.

Medical Treatment

A normal blood level of potassium is between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. This can only be determined with a laboratory blood test ordered by a health care professional. A person is considered to be hypokalemic or to have low potassium when laboratory tests show that the potassium level in the blood is below 3.4 mEq/L. Depending upon the severity and reason for your low blood potassium, a doctor may prescribe potassium supplements or may recommend other medication, dietary or lifestyle changes to correct the disorder. Low dose over-the-counter potassium supplements are available but should not be taken except under the supervision of a health care professional.

Foods Containing Potassium

The most well known foods containing potassium are bananas and citrus fruits, but it is also found in apricots, avocados, brown rice, nuts and most dried fruits. It may also be found in herbal supplements including catnip, hops, nettle, plantain, sage and red clover. Talk to your doctor before changing your diet or taking any herbal supplements if you think you have low potassium levels.