Potassium is a mineral that helps the kidneys function normally. It also plays a key role in cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle contraction, making it an important nutrient for normal heart, digestive, and muscular function. Recent studies have suggested that potassium helps lower blood pressure, and that it can help reduce the risk of death from an acute heart attack when administered by a health care provider along with insulin and glucose. If you take in too much potassium in your diet, you run the risk of getting hyperkalemia (having too much potassium in the blood). If you don't take in enough, you run the risk of getting hypokalemia (not having enough potassium in the blood).

For most people a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits is a safe way to get the amount of potassium you need. The elderly are at high risk for developing hyperkalemia due to the decreased kidney function that occurs naturally as one ages. Older people should be careful when taking any medication, which may further affect potassium levels in the body. Talk with your health care provider before taking potassium or any supplement.

The most important use of potassium is to treat the symptoms of hypokalemia, which include weakness, lack of energy, stomach disturbances, an irregular heartbeat, and an abnormal EKG (electrocardiogram, a test that measures heart function).

Under a health care provider's supervision, potassium can also be used to lower blood pressure, prevent stroke, treat muscle weakness, and help prevent death from an acute heart attack.

The best dietary sources of potassium are fresh unprocessed foods, including meats, vegetables (especially potatoes), fruits (especially avocados and bananas), and citrus juices (such as orange juice). Most potassium needs can be met by eating a varied diet with adequate intake of milk, meats, cereals, vegetables, and fruits.

There are several potassium supplements on the market, including potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate and potassium citrate effervescent, potassium chloride, and potassium gluconate. Potassium can also be found in multivitamins.

Potassium supplements, other than the small amount included in a multivitamin, should only be taken under the specific guidance and instruction of a healthcare provider, particularly for children.

Daily intake of dietary potassium (according to the U.S. RDA) are listed below.

Pediatric

• Infants birth to 6 months: 500 mg or 13 mEq 
• Infants 7 months to 12 months: 700 mg or 18 mEq 
• Children 1 year: 1000 mg or 26 mEq 
• Children 2 to 5 years: 1400 mg or 36 mEq 
• Children 6 to 9 years: 1600 mg or 41 mEq 
• Children over 10 years: 2000 mg or 51 mEq 

Adult

• 2000 mg or 51 mEq, including pregnant and nursing women 

If you have kidney problems, you should not take potassium supplements unless told to do so by your health care provider. If you are elderly, take potassium supplements under the supervision of your health care provider, because of decreased kidney function with age.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may raise levels of potassium in the blood, particularly in patients with decreased kidney function. If you are taking these medications, you should avoid using potassium supplements.

ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, enalapril, and lisinopril) can also increase blood levels of potassium, particularly when taken with NSAIDs, potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride), or salt substitutes. A rise in potassium from ACE inhibitors may also be more likely in cases of decreased kidney function and diabetes. You should consult your healthcare provider before adding potassium supplements to your existing medication regimen.

Heparin, cyclosporine, trimethoprim, and beta-blockers (such as metoprolol and propranolol that are used to treat high blood pressure) may also raise blood levels of potassium. Consult your healthcare provider before adding potassium supplements if you are taking any of these medications.

Corticosteroids, amphotericin B, antacids, insulin, loop diuretics (such as furosemide and bumetanide), and thiazide diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide) can lower potassium levels. Please refer to the depletions monographs related to these medications for additional information. You should consult with your healthcare practitioner to determine whether you should take potassium supplements if you are also taking these medications.

Lower blood levels of potassium increase the likelihood of toxic effects from digoxin, a medication used to treat heart conditions. Normal levels of potassium should be maintained during digoxin treatment; consult your healthcare provider to determine if you should take potassium supplements while on this medication.

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