Can Calcium Lower Potassium?

There’s no indication that calcium lowers potassium — or that potassium lowers calcium, for that matter. In fact, the two minerals are often interrelated in some way. Most importantly, both calcium and potassium are known to improve bone health. Studies also suggest that the two minerals may help manage blood pressure. No precautions are given by the Office of Dietary Supplements in regard to potassium when taking calcium, so your potassium levels should remain within a healthy range when supplementing the diet with this mineral. As with any supplement, talk to a doctor before taking either calcium or potassium.

Bone Health

While there’s no denying the importance of calcium to maintain the strength of bone tissue, it appears that potassium may also play a role. A study published in the January 2008 “Journal of Nutrition” found that potassium-rich diets tend to reduce bone turnover. Bone turnover, particularly higher rates, can eventually lead to bone loss, which increases the risk of osteoporosis, among other bone-related conditions. Additional studies are needed to determine the exact effect of potassium on bone.

Blood Pressure

Both calcium and potassium appear to have some benefit in managing blood pressure. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, diets low in potassium have been linked to high blood pressure. The same is true for diets low in calcium. Supplementing the diet with potassium has shown to reduce blood pressure slightly. Calcium provided similar results.

Other Benefits

Besides benefiting bone health and blood pressure, these two minerals serve other purposes in the body as well. Calcium, for example, has shown some promise in reducing blood cholesterol, alleviating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and minimizing the risk of stroke in the female population. Potassium, particularly from whole foods, may reduce the risk of stroke, but in both males and females.

Intake

Like many nutrients, the recommended daily allowance of either mineral is based on your age. Calcium intake is set at 1,000 milligrams for ages 19 to 50 and then increases to 1,200 milligrams after this age range. Potassium intake is 2,000 milligrams over the age of 10.

Warnings

Although both calcium and potassium are generally considered safe, supplementing the diet with either mineral may lead to side effects. With calcium, you may develop upset stomach or constipation, whereas potassium can cause nausea, diarrhea and stomach irritation. High doses of calcium may result in nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat and kidney toxicity. It doesn’t lower serum potassium. Too much potassium, on the other hand, can cause stomach pain, muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, chest pain and slowed heart rate. Talk to your doctor before taking calcium or potassium for any reason.