Potassium is an important mineral, comprising the majority of the positive ions in your cells. It would be difficult for the cells to function without them. Low potassium is most commonly caused by the chronic use of diuretics (water pills); however, other diseases such as acidosis, diabetes and kidney disease can also cause a loss of potassium. Potassium deficiency symptoms are your first clue that levels of this vital mineral are out of balance.
Muscle Function
Potassium is important for muscle function. In order for muscles to contract, there must be an electrical charge between the inside and outside of the muscle cell membrane. The main ion in developing this charge is potassium. People with the disease, hypokalemia periodic paralysis, have potassium levels so low, they are unable to move their muscles at all, according to a 2008 article, "Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature," published by the National Institutes of Health.
Heart Function
The heart is the body's most important muscle. It is also the most complex muscle, with an automatic timing system that controls not only how fast the heart beats, but also how it contracts to insure adequate flow of blood. Low levels of potassium can impair the electrical conducting system of the heart, causing the heart to beat irregularly or very fast. In addition, low levels of potassium can affect how fast the heart re-polarizes or "recharges,"---any dysfunction of this recharging can make pumping blood difficult. Having severely low levels of potassium is a medical emergency and will require hospitalization.
Digestion
The walls of the intestines are a different form of muscle called "smooth" muscle, which means they expand and contract without the brain telling them to do so. These muscles also require potassium for proper functioning. Low levels of potassium can slow down the transport in the gut, causing constipation or other digestive problems.
Kidney Function
The kidney is the most important organ for maintaining adequate levels of potassium in the body. Primarily, the kidneys are making sure that the body isn't holding on to too much potassium, another dangerous condition. Low levels of potassium can lead to loss of magnesium in the urine, which can exacerbate heart or muscle problems. In addition, low levels of potassium can cause the kidneys to retain too much fluid, which causes swelling and weight gain.
Mental Health
Although there is no direct relationship between low levels of potassium and depression, there have been several reported cases that show the first reported symptom in the diagnosis of low potassium is depression, according to a study presented in the June 2005 issue of the "American Journal of Psychiatry." The exact mechanism is unclear.
Respiratory System
The diaphragm is a muscle, just like the heart, skeletal muscles, and intestines. If potassium gets crucially low, the diaphragm---the muscle that functions as a bellows for the gas exchange in the lungs---can stop moving. This is a serious and life-threatening medical condition, and usually requires support in a medical intensive care unit.
Blood Glucose
Potassium is of key importance when in comes to the metabolizing glucose. The transport of glucose is directly coupled with the concentration of potassium. Low levels of potassium can lead to impaired glucose tolerance, and increased levels of serum glucose.
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