Potassium is essential to the proper function of the heart, muscles and digestive system. Getting the appropriate amount of potassium is important for people of all ages, but particularly for older adults. Too much potassium can cause hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is more common in older people because their kidneys are less efficient at eliminating potassium.
Hyperkalemia
Elderly people who take potassium supplements may increase their risk of hyperkalemia. This condition often has no symptoms, although some experience a slow or weak pulse, irregular heartbeat or nausea. An ECG and blood work may be necessary to properly diagnose this condition. Emergency treatment is necessary if potassium is very high or if the ECG indicates heart blockage, ventricular fibrillation or progressively slower heartbeat. Since hyperkalemia can be quite serious, the elderly should get just enough potassium, and, if possible, avoid medications that may raise potassium.
Considerations
Elderly people are also at increased risk of hyperkalemia because they often have one or more medical conditions that impair potassium excretion, such as diabetes, end-stage renal disease, chronic renal insufficiency, adrenal insufficiency or heart problems. They also are more likely to use a medication that may impair potassium excretion, such as an ACE inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker or potassium-sparing diuretic. These medications are commonly used to treat high blood pressure or other heart problems.
Recommended Amounts
The adequate intake amount is established by the Institute of Medicine, and is considered the amount required to cover the needs of most healthy people of a particular age group. The adequate amount of potassium for all adults, including the elderly, is 4.7 g a day. This includes potassium from both food and supplements. Although getting slightly more potassium is usually not cause for concern, the elderly should stay as close to the recommended dietary allowance as possible. Most can get the right amount from a healthy diet. Foods rich in potassium include bananas, chicken, lima beans, citrus juices, cantaloupes, avocados, tomatoes, cod, salmon, flounder and potatoes. While the amount of potassium in each of these foods varies depending on type and portion size, you can check the nutrition labels or use an online nutritional database such as MyPlate to track the amount of potassium you consume in a day. If you have trouble meeting your potassium recommendation through food alone, ask your doctor whether a supplement would help.
Warning
While many elderly people need to avoid getting too much potassium, others may need to avoid becoming deficient in this crucial mineral. A potassium deficiency may cause weakness, stomach disturbances, muscle cramps, lack of energy, weakness and an irregular heartbeat. This condition typically occurs when the body loses too much potassium in the urine or intestines due to a medical condition, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. It is rarely caused by a lack of potassium in the diet. This condition is life-threatening, so call a doctor immediately if you have reason to think your potassium levels are too low.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
- Institute of Medicine of the National Academies; Dietary Reference Intakes; Recommended Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes
- PubMed Health: Hyperkalemia
- U.S. National Agriculture Library; DRI Report -- Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride and Sulfate; June 2004
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