Potassium is a vital dietary mineral found in a number of food sources, including bananas, potatoes with skin and dried prunes. It is also an electrolyte, responsible for conducting electricity in your body. Potassium is the major mineral inside your cells, while sodium works outside your cells. The site iThyroid.com provides a synthesis of numerous studies, including one published in "Revista de Neurología" in 1999, that link low potassium serum levels with acute hyperthyroid states.
Hyperthyroidism
Your thyroid is a gland just below your voice box at the front of your neck. This gland is responsible for excreting thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which play a major role in metabolism. Hyperthyroidism occurs when too much thyroid hormone is present, resulting in an overactive thyroid. Symptoms include low potassium levels in the blood, shakiness, rapid heart rate, unexplained weight loss and anxiety.
Potassium Deficiency
Potassium is in many foods. This mineral and electrolyte works with sodium to balance the water in your body, is involved in metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, and supports muscle function and nerve stability. Dietary deficiency is rare because potassium is so readily available, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Even small fluctuations in potassium have significant consequences, affecting sodium sensitivity and blood pressure.
Potassium Iodide
According to the World Health Organization, WHO, potassium is useful in protecting the thyroid from radiation. WHO advises that the thyroid is particularly vulnerable to irradiation, or external exposure to radiation, from radioactive iodide. Potassium iodide blocks the radiation from harming the thyroid. This treatment is only advised when public health officials determine the risk from radiation exposure warrants it; potassium iodide has side effects, and does not protect against all forms of radiation.
Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a rare condition that occurs in people with hyperthyroidism, marked by periods of paralysis, or weakness, that alternate with periods of normal muscle function. During thyrotoxic periodic paralysis, research shows a decrease in serum potassium level, which returns to normal during the alternate periods, according to iThyroid.com. Treatment involves lowering hormone levels, as well as giving oral or intravenous doses of potassium to treat the low potassium levels in the blood.
References
- iThyroid.com: Potassium
- Medline Plus: Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Endocrinology Health Guide: The Thyroid Gland;
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis - All Information; Elizabeth H. Holt, M.D., Ph.D.; 2008
- Linus Pauling Institute; Potassium; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; February 2004
- World Health Organization; Use of Potassium Iodide for Thyroid Protection During Nuclear or Radiological Emergencies; March 2011
