Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder characterized by inflammation of the digestive, or gastrointestinal, tract. The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea. Persistent diarrhea can lead to a loss of fluid, as well as important electrolytes, like potassium. If you lose significant amounts of potassium through diarrhea, your doctor may recommend potassium supplements.
Physiology
Most absorption of nutrients occurs in the small intestine. When the lining of the small intestine is chronically inflamed, it damages small finger-like projections in the small intestine, called villi, which allow nutrients to travel from the small intestine into the bloodstream. If the villi are damaged, nutrients like potassium are lost through the stool, rather than absorbed. The malabsorption of nutrients combined with the loss of potassium through diarrhea can lead to a low level of potassium in the blood, medically referred to as hypokalemia.
Potassium Supplements
Most of the potassium in your body, or approximately 95 percent, is in the fluid inside of your cells. The remaining 5 percent of potassium is dispersed in the fluid outside of your cells, including your blood. Because the blood contains such a small amount of potassium, it is important that the levels remain within a certain range. To avoid complications caused by low levels of potassium in the blood, your doctor may recommend potassium supplements. Potassium supplements are available in liquid form or tablets. Specific dosage recommendations depend on the type of potassium as well as your condition. If your doctor prescribes potassium supplements, make sure to follow dosage recommendations closely.
Side Effects
Potassium supplements may cause adverse side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas and stomach pain. These side effects are not considered serious and usually go away as your body adjusts to the potassium supplements. If you experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, anxiety, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, confusion or red or black stools, contact your doctor immediately.
Warnings
If you are taking potassium supplements, you should visit your doctor regularly to have your blood potassium levels checked. If your potassium levels get too high, it can lead to serious complications, including heart arrhythmias and heart attack.
Avoid any strenuous exercise while taking potassium supplements, because exercise can increase the levels of potassium in your blood, according to MayoClinic.com.
