Potassium helps all of your cells, organs and tissues function properly. As an electrolyte, or nutrient that conducts electricity in your body, potassium allows for normal heart function and plays an important role in muscle contraction. Although a healthy diet typically supplies enough potassium, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, synthetic potassium supplementation can help reduce symptoms of potassium deficiency, such as confusion and fatigue. Like most dietary supplements, potassium supplements can pose potentially dangerous risks.
Hyperkalemia
The daily recommended intake of potassium for children ranges from 3,000 to to 4,700 mg per day. Adults should aim for 4,700 mg of potassium per day. Consuming too much potassium through supplements can cause hyperkalemia -- the medical term for potassium levels beyond your kidneys' ability to eliminate the mineral. Consuming more than 18 g of potassium at one time can trigger severe hyperkalemia, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Hyperkalemia symptoms include tingling in your feet and hands, temporary paralysis and muscle weakness. Severe cases can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, which can become fatal.
Drug Interactions
Because potassium supplements can interact with medications, seeking approval and guidance from your doctor before taking them is important. Medications that may cause your potassium levels to rise, increasing your risk for hyperkalemia, include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, which are used to treat heart disease, diabetes, kidney diseases and migraines; and potassium-sparing diuretics and beta blockers, which treat migraines, high blood pressure and glaucoma. Potassium supplements can also interact with the drug digoxin, which is used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms.
Side Effects
Digestive symptoms, such as abdominal irritation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, are the most common side effects of potassium supplements, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Enteric-coated potassium chloride supplements may cause ulcers, or open sores, in your intestines. Side effects linked with higher potassium doses include a slowed or abnormal heartbeat, chest pain and muscle weakness.
Secondary Complications
Potassium supplements can worsen symptoms of particular conditions and increase your risk for complications. Such conditions, according to MayoClinic.com, include Addison's disease, dehydration, Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, chronic or severe diarrhea, stomach ulcers, and heart disease. Potassium supplements may also damage your intestines, worsening the effects of esophageal or intestinal blockage.
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