The National Institutes of Health reports that normal potassium levels range from 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L (milliequivalent per liter). When potassium levels drop below normal, it results in a condition known as hypokalemia. Symptoms of hypokalemia include fatigue, constipation, abnormal heart rhythm, muscle weakness and muscle spasms. Without treatment, this condition also leads to paralysis, which may improve when potassium levels return to normal.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when fluid is lost due to fever, vomiting, diarrhea or excessive sweating and is not replaced with water or other fluids. This condition also occurs as the result of inadequate water intake during vigorous exercise or hot weather. To prevent the loss of potassium during bouts of vomiting and diarrhea, drink beverages designed to replace lost electrolytes. If dehydration worsens so that potassium levels drop severely, seek medical attention immediately. Doctors treat severe cases of dehydration by administering fluids and electrolytes intravenously. This restores levels of these substances to normal and reduces the risk of complications.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
People with inflammatory bowel diseases seem to have difficulty absorbing potassium and other nutrients from the foods they eat. The intestines eliminate unabsorbed potassium, leading to low levels of potassium in the blood. Inflammatory bowel diseases include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. If you have one of these conditions, the University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that your doctor may recommend a potassium supplement to prevent low potassium levels.
Hyperaldosteronism
Hyperaldosteronism results from the production of too much aldosterone, a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. Too much aldosterone causes the kidneys to excrete more potassium than usual, leading to reduced levels of potassium in the blood. In cases of hyperaldosteronism caused by tumors, surgical removal of the tumor relieves symptoms. In other cases, the medications spirinolactone and eplerenone control symptoms, according to the Merck Manual Home Edition.
Insufficient Potassium Intake
While rare, insufficient potassium intake may cause reduced levels of potassium in the blood. Because many of the foods we eat contain potassium, insufficient intake is rare in developed countries. To prevent reduced serum potassium levels, eat potassium-rich foods such as potatoes, tomatoes, bananas, kiwi and dairy products.
Acetaminophen Overdose
Hypokalemia occurs in some cases of acetaminophen overdose. Products such as Tylenol, Midol and Pamprin contain acetaminophen. In cases of overdose, intravenous potassium administration restores potassium to safer levels.
