Potassium is one of the essential macrominerals, which means large amounts are needed to keep the body healthy. Although severe potassium deficiency is usually unrelated to diet, a low dietary intake of potassium can contribute to other symptoms. For optimal health benefits, consume at least 4,700 mg of potassium each day.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is defined as low levels of potassium in the bloodstream. According to the Mayo Clinic, hypokalemia is usually related to excessive loss of potassium in the urine and does not usually stem from dietary deficiency. Other causes might include kidney disorders, diarrhea, excessive laxative use, excessive sweating, vomiting and use of diuretics. Symptoms of hypokalmia include fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation, weakness and abnormal heart rhythm. Without treatment, hypokalemia can be serious and even life-threatening, so see your doctor immediately if you suspect low potassium levels.
Sodium Imbalance
When combined with excessive sodium intake, lack of potassium in the diet can increase your chances of developing high blood pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a high-sodium diet combined with inadequate potassium intake increases the chance of death from any cause by 50 percent. Potassium counteracts sodium's negative effects on blood pressure. Adults over age 50, African Americans and those with diabetes, chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure should be especially vigilant in obtaining enough potassium, as they are more sensitive to high sodium levels.
High-Risk Groups
Some groups are at higher risk for potassium deficiency than others. Because potassium is stored in the kidneys, people who have medical conditions that affect the kidneys are more likely to suffer from deficiency. Examples of such conditions include Liddle syndrome, Cushing syndrome, hyperaldosteronism, Bartter syndrome and Fanconi syndrome. Medications such as diuretics and some antibiotics are also commonly linked to deficiency; in fact, prescription diuretics are the most common cause of excessive potassium losses in urine, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Potassium Sources
Obtain your daily potassium intake from food sources if possible. Not only do food sources provide other vitamins and minerals in addition to potassium, but they are also easily absorbed and less likely to cause toxicity symptoms. If you do use potassium supplements, consult your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and type. If you take a multivitamin, the potassium levels are probably very low and will not cause negative side effects. Good food sources of potassium include vine-ripened fruits such as bananas, citrus juice, avocados, potatoes, tomatoes, cod, liver, cantaloupes and most meat.
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