Potassium is an essential nutrient that helps your body synthesize protein, metabolize carbohydrates and maintain pH balance. The mineral is also needed for muscle development and heart activity. Most people consume enough potassium so that deficiency is not an issue. But dehydration, the overuse of diuretics and chronic kidney disease can cause you to excrete more potassium than you should, leading to a deficiency. A potassium deficiency is treated first by determining the underlying cause of the problem and then by boosting your levels of the mineral.
Recommended Intake
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine determines the appropriate levels of nutrients such as potassium that you should consume daily. Last updated in 2004, the guidelines for potassium include daily intake of 4,700 mg for teens 14 and older and adults. Children ages 9 to 13 need about 4,500 mg daily. Children ages 1 to 8 need 3,000 to 3,800 mg daily. Babies need 400 to 700 mg. Women who are pregnant or nursing should aim for a bit more than the normal adult recommendation, or 5,100 mg daily.
Dietary Sources
In some cases, a deficiency of potassium requires only increasing your intake of dietary potassium. Potassium levels in your blood can be tested through a simple blood draw. Normal serum levels range from 3.7 to 5.2 milliequivalent per liter, or mEq/l. A variety of foods contain potassium, including baked potatoes with the skin, bananas, oranges and orange juice, raisins, tomatoes and tomato juice, spinach, almonds and artichokes.
Supplements
Signs of potassium deficiency can include muscle cramps or weakness, extreme fatigue and constipation. If you are not getting enough potassium in your diet or if you take medications that interfere with your potassium levels, your doctor may prescribe a supplement. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, supplementation should be less than 18 grams -- 1,800 mg -- daily to avoid toxicity. Your body may store too much potassium if you supplement at a higher level.
Medical Treatment
Extreme cases of potassium deficiency can lead to potentially dangerous reactions, such as heart arrhythmia and paralysis. These life-threatening reactions should be treated by a medical team and usually include the intravenous administration of potassium. Once your blood-potassium count has returned to appropriate levels, supplementation may still be required.
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