Taking a daily multivitamin can be an easy way for you to improve your nutrition. If you have a low intake of potassium from your diet, chances are you are lacking other essential nutrients. This is because potassium is found in a variety of healthy foods that also contain the essential vitamins and minerals.
Which Foods Contain Healthy Vitamins And Minerals?
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean meats, milk and yogurt are examples of foods that contain ample amounts of potassium. These foods are also great sources of vitamins that your body uses to run your metabolism, your immune system and your nervous system. If you do not eat these foods, then you must supplement your diet with a quality multivitamin that contains the proper amounts of these nutrients. Without them, your body will develop deficiency symptoms that could lead to a lack of energy, poor immune function, muscle spasm and body pain.
What Should Be In Your Multivitamin?
To meet the nutrient needs of your body, your multivitamin must contain vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B complex vitamins. These include thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate. A multivitamin will also contain the trace minerals and the macro-minerals, which include potassium. Vitamin and mineral supplements are intended to complement your diet. Therefore, the best way to replenish your low potassium levels is to consume a multivitamin and improve your diet.
Tips On Selecting A Good Supplement
The Harvard School of Public Health recommends that when you select a multivitamin, you steer clear of mega doses. Instead, choose one that is close to the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, of each vitamin. This amount will be shown on the label as a percent of the daily value. It adds that you should avoid super supplements that advertise wild health claims and you should always try to get the majority of your vitamins and minerals from a healthy and balanced diet.
Considerations
Low potassium can be caused by factors not related to your diet. These include certain kidney diseases, extended use of diuretic medication or antibiotics, eating disorders and excessive loss through sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. If you still have low levels and you eat a healthy diet, your doctor will evaluate these factors to determine if another cause is at fault. Once the cause is determined, your doctor can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
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