Potassium is a dietary mineral that also serves as an electrolyte, which is capable of conducting electricity. Potassium supplements in the U.S. contain no more than 99 mg of potassium per tablet by law and are available in many different forms, including chloride, citrate, gluconate, bicarbonate, asparate and orotate. Too much potassium can cause adverse side effects. Talk to your doctor about potassium supplements to determine how much is right for you and how to avoid taking too much.
Common Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, potassium supplements might cause several side effects, such as gastrointestinal distress through upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. Potassium supplements might also cause mental confusion, fatigue, tingling sensation in your limbs, muscle weakness, cold and pale skin, stomach pain, stomach distension and blackened stools. If you experience any of these side effects associated with potassium supplements, call your doctor.
Toxicity
Jane Higdon, a professor at Oregon State University, says excess potassium, also known as hyperkalemia, occurs when you take in more potassium than your kidneys can safely eliminate from your body. Hyperkalemia can also occur when you are taking certain diuretics that cause your body to lose water and other electrolytes, but not potassium, thereby increasing its concentration in your bloodstream. Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness and temporary paralysis. The most serious side effect of hyperkalemia is the development of cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, which increases your risk of a heart attack.
Drug Interactions
Taking certain drugs and medications can increase your risk of having too much potassium in your blood. Potassium-sparing drugs, such as some diuretics, as well as ACE inhibitors, which treat high blood pressure, can increase your risk of hyperkalemia while you are taking potassium supplements. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can also increase your risk of hyperkalemia with potassium supplements, as well as anti-infective drugs and medications to treat cardiovascular diseases.
Recommendations
Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking before beginning a potassium supplement. The University of Maryland Medical Center says potassium supplements, with the exception of the small amounts of potassium included in most multivitamins, should only be taken under the direct supervision of your physician. Adults should consume about 2,000 mg of potassium daily for optimal health, either through food or supplementation, while children require less.
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