Potassium is limited to 99 mg in supplemental form in the United States. Supplemental potassium is available as potassium chloride, bicarbonate, citrate, aspartate, gluconate, and orotate. Higher amounts of potassium can be prescribed for potassium depletion; this requires careful monitoring of blood potassium levels.
There is a potential for serious side effects with higher levels of potassium supplementation. Symptoms of hyperkalemia (excess potassium) include weakness and tingling sensations and can lead to cardiac arrest in extreme cases.
Summary for Potassium
Main functions: maintains the cell membrane potential, is needed for energy production, and is used as an acid buffer.
Adequate Intake: 4.7 grams daily for adults.
Toxicity: not found with potassium in food. Toxicity from supplement overdose is possible.
Maximum potassium potency per tablet has been set at 99 mg for supplements.
Deficiency is from excessive losses rather than dietary lack.
Healthy sources: unprocessed fruit and vegetables.
Unhealthy sources: processed food often contains too much sodium and too little potassium.
Forms in the body: free potassium ion in cells and in the enzyme pyruvate kinase.
The most common side effects of high doses of potassium supplements are gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is best to take high doses of potassium in a microencapsulated form and with meals to reduce side effects.To summarize, potassium is very useful in balancing acidity in the body.
Many Americans could benefit by eating more unprocessed foods, which are rich in potassium.
There is a potential for serious side effects with higher levels of potassium supplementation. Symptoms of hyperkalemia (excess potassium) include weakness and tingling sensations and can lead to cardiac arrest in extreme cases.
Summary for Potassium
Main functions: maintains the cell membrane potential, is needed for energy production, and is used as an acid buffer.
Adequate Intake: 4.7 grams daily for adults.
Toxicity: not found with potassium in food. Toxicity from supplement overdose is possible.
Maximum potassium potency per tablet has been set at 99 mg for supplements.
Deficiency is from excessive losses rather than dietary lack.
Healthy sources: unprocessed fruit and vegetables.
Unhealthy sources: processed food often contains too much sodium and too little potassium.
Forms in the body: free potassium ion in cells and in the enzyme pyruvate kinase.
The most common side effects of high doses of potassium supplements are gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is best to take high doses of potassium in a microencapsulated form and with meals to reduce side effects.To summarize, potassium is very useful in balancing acidity in the body.
Many Americans could benefit by eating more unprocessed foods, which are rich in potassium.
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