When potassium combines with chlorine, electrons are exchanged and potassium chloride develops. However, the potassium chloride compound never exists within the body since the compound separates into its individual components during digestion. But since potassium and chloride play similar roles in the body, a deficiency of one often leads to a deficiency of the other -- and a deficiency of potassium or chloride can be quite dangerous.
Potassium Deficiency
Potassium is a mineral that has a variety of roles within the body. As potassium circulates through the bloodstream, it helps regulate the acid-base balance and ensures proper production of protein and proper metabolism of carbohydrates. Potassium is also necessary to maintain muscle growth and healthy electrical functioning of the heart. When a potassium deficiency occurs, the condition of hypokalemia develops. Symptoms of the deficiency include abnormal heart rhythm, fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle damage and occasional paralysis. If the deficiency continues without treatment, it can also lead to kidney damage.
Chloride Deficiency
Within the body, chloride works with potassium and sodium to maintain the acid-base balance and regulate fluid levels in the blood vessels and tissues. Chloride also plays an important role in the stomach, where it helps digest food in the form of hydrochloric acid. A chloride deficiency might occur as a result of excessive fluid loss from the body, whether through sweat, urine, diarrhea or vomit. Symptoms of chloride deficiency include muscle weakness, low blood pressure and dehydration. A chloride deficiency can also trigger an increased loss of potassium from the body, potentially resulting in a potassium deficiency as well.
Prevention Tips
To prevent a deficiency of potassium or chloride, there are a variety of foods that you can include in your daily diet. Foods high in potassium include avocados, bananas, carrots, lima beans, peanut butter, spinach and tomatoes. Foods high in chloride include salt, tomatoes, kelp and olives. If you cannot manage to obtain enough potassium and chloride through your diet, potassium chloride supplements are also available.
Considerations
Patients with hyperkalemia, a high blood concentration of potassium, should avoid taking potassium chloride supplements. Just as a potassium deficiency is dangerous to the body, an overdose of potassium is equally as detrimental. The use of potassium chloride should also be carefully monitored in patients with kidney failure, diabetic acidosis, acute dehydration, adrenal insufficiency or any condition that impairs the excretion of potassium from the body. To ensure your health and safety, consult a physician before starting potassium chloride supplementation.
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