The electrolyte potassium plays a role in many tissues and cells of the body, but too much can cause problems. Most people get enough potassium from food, but in some cases a potassium supplement may be necessary. However, supplemental potassium could lead to problems, especially in people who have a health condition or take medication that raises potassium levels in the body. Because consuming too much potassium can cause side effects and complications, only take a supplement on your doctor's advice.
Potassium Supplements
Potassium supplements come in tablets, capsules, powders and liquids. The elemental potassium in these supplements is typically bound to another substance, such as chloride or citrate. Potassium in multivitamins is limited to 99 mg per serving to avoid a potential overdose. Individual potassium supplements may contain more, raising the risk of complications. While high doses of potassium supplements can be detrimental, potassium from food does not seem to cause the same problems, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
Side Effects and Complications
If your potassium supplement elevates your blood potassium levels to slightly above normal, you might experience minor side effects. These can include nausea, diarrhea and stomach irritation. These mild gastrointestinal side effects may be less likely if you take your potassium supplement with food. Taking more than 18 g of potassium at one time can lead to hyperkalemia, according to the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include a slowed heart rate, severe stomach pain, muscle weakness and an abnormal heartbeat.
Interactions
Potassium supplements interact negatively with certain medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors used for high blood pressure, heart disease, migraines and kidney disease can cause potassium levels to rise in the body, so taking potassium supplements in addition to these medications can raise your potassium levels dangerously high. Other drugs that can cause a rise in potassium levels and thus should not be used with potassium supplements include heparin, cyclosporine, beta blockers and trimethoprimand sulfamethoxazole.
Special Considerations
People with kidney disease might be at higher risk of hyperkalemia, so these individuals should avoid taking potassium supplements. Older individuals might also be at higher risk of hyperkalemia and should talk to a doctor about the appropriate dose of potassium if they require potassium supplements.
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