Potassium in diet

Alternative Names

Side Effects

Excess or low potassium may have very serious consequences.

Because so many foods contain potassium, too little potassium (potassium deficiency) is rarely caused by inadequate diet. However, even a moderate reduction in the body's potassium levels can lead to salt sensitivity and high blood pressure. The recommended dietary intake of 4.7 gm or higher can slightly lower blood pressure.

A deficiency of potassium (hypokalemia) can occur in people with certain diseases or as a result of taking diuretics for the treatment of high blood pressure or heart failure. Additionally, many medications -- such as diuretics, laxatives, and steroids -- can cause a loss of potassium, which occasionally may be very severe. You should have your blood levels of potassium checked from time to time if you take any of these medicines. Diuretics are probably the most common cause of hypokalemia.

A variety of conditions can cause the loss of potassium from the body. The most common of these conditions are vomiting and diarrhea. Several rare kidney and adrenal gland disorders may also cause low potassium levels.

For more information on potassium deficiency, see the article on hypokalemia.

An increased level of potassium in the blood is known as hyperkalemia. Some common causes of this are reduced renal (kidney) function, an abnormal breakdown of protein, and severe infection. The most common cause of hyperkalemia is reduced kidney function, especially in patients receiving dialysis for kidney failure. Certain medicines affect the body's ability to get rid of potassium. These include potassium sparing diuretics and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE).

For more information on increased potassium levels, see the article on hyperkalemia.

References

Panel on Dietary Reference Intakes for Electrolytes and Water, Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes. Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2004.