Potassium is an essential mineral as well as an electrolyte. Electrolytes are capable of turning into ions when dissolved in the human body, making them capable of conducting electricity. This affects the body on a cellular level, which means there is a potential for some side effects, sometimes serious, when taking potassium supplements. Therefore, consult your doctor before making the decision to take potassium supplements.
General Reactions to Potassium Supplements
Potassium supplements are sold as different salts including potassium bicarbonate and potassium chloride. The most common reaction to potassium supplements is gastrointestinal in nature. These reactions can include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and general stomach discomfort. If your kidney function is abnormal, the side effects might be stronger. Coated potassium chloride tablets can cause intestinal ulceration, so look for the kind in capsule form. Taking potassium supplements with meals can help reduce stomach discomfort.
Interactions with Drugs
Potassium supplements can easily cause uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous reactions when taken with certain medications. These include anticoagulants such as heparin, anti-hypersensitive agents such as beta and alpha blockers, and cardiac glycosides such as digitalis. You should even avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen when taking potassium supplements. Potassium-sparing diuretics are designed specifically not to allow potassium to pass in the urine and can be the most troublesome. These include spironolactone and amiloride.
Reactions from Overdosing
Although multivitamins with potassium contain small amounts of it, there are supplements with much higher amounts of potassium. These are usually produced to correct serious deficiencies of potassium. Side effects begin to occur when the kidneys cannot remove the excess potassium in the body fast enough. Symptoms include weakness in the muscles and tingling in the hands and feet. Those with weaker kidneys might experience more severe symptoms like irregular heartbeats and even paralysis.
Precautions
More than 18 g of potassium at one time can lead to strong side effects, especially if you are not accustomed to taking potassium. In 2004, the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine established an adequate intake level (AI) for potassium based on intake levels that have been found to lower blood pressure, reduce salt sensitivity, and minimize the risk of kidney stones For adults, the AI for potassium is 4,700 mg. If you experience strong side effects after taking a potassium supplement, talk to your doctor about taking less and substituting potassium-rich foods in your diet.
Member Comments