Potassium is an essential mineral that is involved in many bodily functions, including hair growth. While certain nutrient deficiencies can result in hair loss, a potassium deficiency is not known to cause your hair to fall out; however, other serious side effects can occur and it is important to meet the RDA for potassium and other minerals to stay healthy and encourage proper hair growth.
Functions of Potassium
All of your cells, including the ones in your hair follicles, need potassium in order to function. Your tissues and organs need this mineral as well. Potassium acts as an electrolyte, transmitting electricity throughout your body, along with other minerals like sodium and calcium, which are essential for proper hair growth, too. Finally, this mineral assists in the metabolism of carbohydrates, helping your body to break down and distribute the food you eat, which thereby nourishes your follicle cells and encourages healthy hair growth.
Symptoms of a Deficiency
You will not likely experience hair loss with a potassium deficiency. More common symptoms include an abnormal heart rhythm, a breakdown of muscle fibers, constipation, fatigue, muscle spasms or paralysis. When you do not have enough potassium in your blood, it is known as hypokalemia. Because so many foods contain potassium, this condition typically is the result of an underlying disease or the consumption of diuretics, and rarely caused by an improper diet. However, if you are concerned about your potassium intake or believe you might have a deficiency, seek medical attention.
RDA and Sources
To ensure healthy hair growth and other bodily functions, you should make sure to meet the RDA for potassium. Adults need 2,000 mg of this mineral each day. Common food sources include bananas, cantaloupes, tomatoes, salmon, chicken, cod, citrus juices, lima beans and potatoes. You also can take this mineral in supplement form, such as potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, potassium chloride and potassium gluconate. It also is available in many multivitamins.
Additional Considerations
Ask your doctor before you begin taking potassium supplements or adding more of this mineral to your diet, as too much potassium can have negative side effects. It also can interact with certain medications and conditions. If you experience hair loss and believe it is due to a vitamin or mineral deficiency, seek medical attention for a definitive diagnosis. Tell your doctor about the symptoms you have been experiencing and she can help you determine what course of action needs to be taken.
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