Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte vital to proper functioning of the body. As an electrolyte, potassium has the ability to disassociate and form ions which are capable of conducting electricity. It is also important for metabolic processes and all cell, tissue and organ functions. The body maintains a tight regulation of potassium concentration both inside and outside of cells. A potassium deficiency, also known as hypokalemia, occurs when there is a slight fluctuation in the body's potassium levels.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is an abnormally low plasma potassium concentration. Potassium helps control your muscles, especially your heart, by moving in and out of cells. The majority of potassium in your body is found within your cells. When potassium levels in the blood drop, there is not enough potassium in each cell. Symptoms include muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, intestinal immobility, bloating, constipation and abdominal pain. A lack of potassium can lead to more severe symptoms such as muscular paralysis and cardiac arrhythmias that can be fatal. Your blood potassium level is normally 3.6 to 4.8 mEq/L. Very low potassium, below 2.5mEq/L can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical attention.
Adequate Intake
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine established adequate intake levels for potassium. These are estimated therapeutic levels. Adults age 19 and older require 4,700 mg per day to meet their potassium needs. Potassium is abundant in fruits and vegetables. Surveys conducted within the United States suggest that the average potassium intake is approximately 2,300 mg per day for adult women and 3,100 mg per day for adult men, reports the Linus Pauling Institute. However, inadequate dietary potassium is rarely a cause of hypokalemia.
Common Hypokalemia Causes
Hypokalemia is most commonly the result of excessive potassium loses. Gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, laxative use, metabolic disturbances and eating disorders can cause potassium loss. Medications such as steroids and diuretics for the treatment of heart failure or high blood pressure also cause excess potassium excretion. Heavy sweating during intense and prolonged exercise can also result in potassium losses.
Disease-Related Hypokalemia
Certain conditions or disease can cause an excessive loss of potassium from the body. Cushing's disease, adrenal hyperplasia, congestive heart failure, alcoholic liver and kidney disease are common potassium wasting disorders. The kidneys normally regulate the excretion of potassium; therefore, any other condition affecting the proper functioning of the kidneys will affect the body's ability to regulate potassium levels.
Treatment
If your blood test indicates you have a low potassium level, follow your health care provider's instructions on how to raise your potassium levels. If you suffer from an underlying condition, your physician will treat that problem first. Treatment may include a high potassium diet or potassium supplementation. Consuming a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and limited alcohol and caffeine can help restore potassium levels.
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