Potassium is an electrolyte required by your body for general cellular health, nerve conduction, kidney function, muscle contraction and acid base balance. According to "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Potassium but Were Too Tired to Ask," low potassium levels are very rare unless you suffer from an illness or you take a medication that prevents your body from properly absorbing potassium. Liquid potassium is a type of potassium supplement recommended by doctors for individuals with low potassium levels. As a health supplement, however, you should consult with a medical professional prior to taking a liquid potassium supplement.
Potassium in Your Body
Your muscle tissues contain most of your body's total potassium. Therefore, you can use potassium levels as a measure of lean body mass or muscle mass. Potassium also exists in your body as a radioactive isotope and allows doctors to measure potassium levels in your body as a function of age and disease. Additionally, potassium regulates many of your body's essential functions such as helping your kidneys eliminate dangerous waste and preserving the balanced alkalinity in your body.
Deficiency
Potassium deficiency does not normally occur in the developed world without an underlying medical condition. According to "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Potassium but Were Too Tired To Ask," starvation is the primary cause of potassium deficiency. Hypokalemia is a medical condition caused by low potassium levels. Symptoms can include respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, muscle damage and disorientation. If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect a potassium deficiency, you should immediately contact a medical professional.
Dosing
When doctors prescribe a liquid potassium supplement, they will give you specific dosing information to treat your medical condition. After testing confirms that you have a potassium deficiency, your doctor will create a custom treatment plan to restore the potassium levels in your body. According to "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Potassium but Were Too Tired To Ask," the typical recommended oral starting dosage for liquid potassium is 20 milliequivalents mixed into one half glass of water or juice for an adult. You should take the liquid potassium two to four times per day as prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects
Liquid potassium has several serious side effects associated with its use. These side effects include blackish stool and intestinal bleeding. Should you experience either of these serious side effects, immediately discontinue use and seek medical attention. Less serious side effects associated with the use of liquid potassium include soreness in your stomach, cramping and pain in your throat or chest. Additional side effects include unexplained anxiety, confusion, shortness of breath and an irregular or slow heartbeat. Discontinue use of the liquid potassium if you experience any of these less serious side effects and consult with a medical professional.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper et al; 2004
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel; 2002
- "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Potassium but Were Too Tired to Ask"; Betty Kamen; 1992
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