Both kids and adults need potassium to keep their nervous systems and muscles functioning properly. Apart from helping an active kid move the muscles in her arms and legs, the electrolyte mineral regulates heart rhythm and digestion. Getting enough potassium also helps control sodium levels, lowering the risk of developing kidney stones, notes the Linus Pauling Institute.
Deficiency Effects
Kids who don’t get enough potassium may have more muscle cramps or digestive issues than other children may. They may also tire more easily and find it more difficult to play or to participate in sports because of muscle weakness and low energy. If your pediatrician detects that your child has an irregular heartbeat, she will likely ask about his diet and test for low blood potassium.
Low Potassium Causes
If your child has recently been sick, she may develop low potassium levels temporarily. Potassium is lost through diarrhea and vomiting, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. UMMC warns that a salty diet also leads to potassium deficiency in extreme cases, because high sodium intake results in a greater need for potassium. Disorders that interfere with nutrient absorption, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, can lead to chronic potassium deficiency.
Suggested Amounts for Children
Always talk to your pediatrician about the right balance of nutrients and the ideal meal plan for your child’s age, weight and gender. Current recommendations for daily potassium intake in kids are 3,000 mg for toddlers; 3,800 mg for children ages 4 to 8; 4,500 mg for preteens and 4,700 mg for teens.
Supplements
UMMC suggests that children not take potassium supplements unless specifically directed by a doctor. In most cases, it’s best to add the mineral by increasing the potassium-rich foods in your family’s diet. If your child has experienced severe bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, or shows signs of serious potassium deficiency, his doctor may recommend a temporary supplement.
Potassium-Rich Foods
KidsHealth.org suggests that children eat a diet rich in unpeeled potatoes, bananas, broccoli, tomatoes, dried fruits and citrus fruits. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, foods that offer at least 400 mg of potassium in an average serving include baked potatoes, plums, raisins, spinach, acorn squash, lima beans, tomato juice, plum juice and bananas. Each of these foods provides at least 10 percent of the potassium needed by children under 9, and at least 8.5 percent of the potassium needed by older children and teens.
Member Comments