Potassium is a mineral important for normal daily body functions. Most people consume adequate amounts of potassium in their diets. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, a daily potassium intake of 4,700 mg is recommended for healthy adults. Your blood potassium levels should range from 3.7 to 5.2 milliequivalents per liter. Occasionally, due to certain conditions or taking particular medications, you may experience potassium deficiency or excess.
Uses
Your body uses potassium in various ways. It is required for nerve transmission, heart activity, muscle contraction, acid-base balance, protein synthesis, breakdown of carbohydrates as well as blood pressure and fluid balance regulation. Your kidneys help maintain proper potassium balance by removing excess from the body through urine.
Sources
Potassium is found in a variety of foods, including all meats and some fish, such as cod and salmon. Fruits that contain potassium include bananas, apricots, avocados, dates and nectarines. Artichokes, parsnips, spinach and tomatoes are vegetable sources. Other foods containing potassium include whole grains, certain dairy products and nuts. Potassium is a primary ingredient in salt substitutes and is available in multivitamins.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia, or low blood potassium, can result from taking medications such as diuretics, laxatives and steroids. It can also be brought on by conditions that cause potassium loss from the body such as vomiting, diarrhea and excessive sweating. In rare cases, hypokalemia can be caused by inadequate dietary intake. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, consuming large amounts of black licorice can also cause hypokalemia. Complications associated with low potassium levels include abnormal heart rhythm, muscle spasm, constipation or paralysis.
Hyperkalemia
Excess potassium in the blood, or hyperkalemia, results when intake exceeds the amount excreted in the urine. Inadequate kidney function as a result of acute or chronic kidney disease is the most frequent cause of hyperkalemia. Other causes include severe infection, abnormal protein synthesis and medications such as potassium-sparing diuretics, blood pressure medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Complications include tingling in the hands and feet, irregular heartbeat and heart attack in very serious cases.
Precautions
Changes in blood potassium levels can have life threatening effects on heart activity and muscle contraction. Your levels should be monitored on a regular basis if you have kidney failure, heart disease or diabetes. Your doctor may also monitor potassium levels if you are taking certain medications such as blood pressure medications, potassium supplements or diuretics.
Member Comments