By lowering blood pressure, increasing potassium intake can also reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. In contrast, consuming too much sodium can raise your blood pressure.

Limiting sodium intake is especially important if you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Nearly 9 in 10 US children eat more sodium than recommended and about 1 in 9 children has raised blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Most Americans eat too little potassium and too much sodium. Some good sources of potassium include bananas, oranges and melons, cooked spinach and broccoli, and potatoes and sweet potatoes. The majority of sodium in our diets comes from packaged and restaurant food not the salt shaker as a result of food processing.

Even foods that may not taste salty can be major sources of sodium. Americans consume more than 3, milligrams mg of sodium each day, on average. This is well above the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendation.

Skip directly to site content Skip directly to search. Large doses of laxatives and repeated use of enemas can also cause hypokalemia because they increase losses of potassium in stool. Pica is the persistent eating of non-nutritive substances, such as clay.

When consumed, clay binds potassium in the gastrointestinal tract, which can increase potassium excretion and lead to hypokalemia [ 5 , 31 , 32 ].

Cessation of pica combined with potassium supplementation can restore potassium status and resolve symptoms of potassium deficiency. This section focuses on four diseases and disorders in which potassium might be involved: hypertension and stroke, kidney stones, bone health, and blood glucose control and type 2 diabetes.

Hypertension, a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke, affects almost a third of Americans [ 2 , 37 ]. According to an extensive body of literature, low potassium intakes increase the risk of hypertension, especially when combined with high sodium intakes [ 16 , ].

Higher potassium intakes, in contrast, may help decrease blood pressure, in part by increasing vasodilation and urinary sodium excretion, which in turn reduces plasma volume [ 1 ]; this effect may be most pronounced in salt-sensitive individuals [ 2 , 3 , 5 , 37 , 41 ].

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension DASH eating pattern, which emphasizes potassium from fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, lowers systolic blood pressure by an average of 5.

The DASH eating pattern provides three times more potassium than the average American diet. Additional information and sample DASH menu plans are available on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Results from most clinical trials suggest that potassium supplementation reduces blood pressure.

A meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials in 1, participants with hypertension found significant reductions in systolic blood pressure by 4. The supplements had the greatest effect in patients with hypertension, reducing systolic blood pressure by a mean of 6. Two earlier meta-analyses of 19 trials [ 45 ] and 33 trials [ 46 ] had similar findings.

However, a Cochrane Review of six of the highest-quality trials found nonsignificant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with potassium supplementation [ 47 ]. In , the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality AHRQ published a systematic review of the effects of sodium and potassium intakes on chronic disease outcomes and their risk factors [ 48 ].

The authors concluded that, based on observational studies, the associations between dietary potassium intakes and lower blood pressure in adults were inconsistent. They also found no evidence for an association between potassium intakes and the risk of hypertension.

A similar analysis conducted by the NASEM committee that included 16 trials found that potassium supplements significantly lowered systolic blood pressure by a mean of 6. However, the effects were stronger among studies including participants with hypertension; for studies including only participants without hypertension, the effects were not statistically significant.

Based on 13 randomized controlled trials that primarily enrolled patients with hypertension, the AHRQ review found that the use of potassium-containing salt substitutes in place of sodium chloride significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in adults by a mean of 5.

However, reducing sodium intake decreased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults, and increasing potassium intake via food or supplements did not reduce blood pressure any further.

This finding suggests that at least some of the beneficial effects of potassium salt substitutes on blood pressure may be due to the accompanying reduction in sodium intake, rather than the increase in potassium intake. Higher potassium intakes have been associated with a decreased risk of stroke and possibly other cardiovascular diseases CVDs [ 16 , 49 ].

However, the AHRQ review found inconsistent relationships between potassium intakes and risk of stroke based on 15 observational studies [ 48 ]. Any beneficial effect of potassium on CVD is likely due to its antihypertensive effects.

However, some research shows a benefit even when blood pressure is accounted for. These findings suggest that other mechanisms e. FDA has approved the following health claim: "Diets containing foods that are a good source of potassium and that are low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke" [ 17 ].

Overall, the evidence suggests that consuming more potassium might have a favorable effect on blood pressure and stroke, and it might also help prevent other forms of CVD. However, more research on both dietary and supplemental potassium is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

Kidney stones are most common in people age 40 to 60 [ 52 ]. Stones containing calcium—in the form of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate—are the most common type of kidney stone. Low potassium intakes impair calcium reabsorption within the kidney, increasing urinary calcium excretion and potentially causing hypercalciuria and kidney stones [ 16 , 37 ].

Low urinary levels of citrate also contribute to kidney stone development. Observational studies show inverse associations between dietary potassium intakes and risk of kidney stones.

Some research suggests that supplementation with potassium citrate reduces hypercalciuria as well as the risk of kidney stone formation and growth [ 52 , 55 ].

In a clinical trial of 57 patients with at least two kidney stones either calcium oxalate or calcium oxalate plus calcium phosphate over the previous 2 years and hypocitraturia low urinary citrate levels , supplementation with 30—60 mEq potassium citrate providing 1, to 2, mg potassium for 3 years significantly reduced kidney stone formation compared with placebo [ 55 ].

This study was included in a Cochrane Review of seven studies that examined the effects of potassium citrate, potassium-sodium citrate, and potassium-magnesium citrate supplementation on the prevention and treatment of calcium-containing kidney stones in a total of participants, most of whom had calcium oxalate stones [ 52 ].

The potassium citrate salts significantly reduced the risk of new stones and reduced stone size. However, the proposed mechanism involves citrate, not potassium per se; citrate forms complexes with urinary calcium and increases urine pH, inhibiting the formation of calcium oxalate crystals [ 52 , 56 ].

The authors of the AHRQ review [ 48 ] concluded that observational studies suggest an association between higher potassium intakes and lower risk of kidney stones.

However, they also found the evidence insufficient to determine whether potassium supplements are effective because only one trial that addressed this question [ 55 ] met their inclusion criteria.

Additional research is needed to fully understand the potential link between dietary and supplemental potassium and the risk of kidney stones. Observational studies suggest that increased consumption of potassium from fruits and vegetables is associated with increased bone mineral density [ 57 ].

This evidence, combined with evidence from metabolic studies and a few clinical trials, suggests that dietary potassium may improve bone health. The underlying mechanisms are unclear, but one hypothesis is that potassium helps protect bone through its effect on acid-base balance [ 37 ].

Diets that are high in acid-forming foods, such as meats and cereal grains, contribute to metabolic acidosis and might have an adverse effect on bone.

Alkaline components in the form of potassium salts potassium bicarbonate or citrate, but not potassium chloride from food or potassium supplements might counter this effect and help preserve bone tissue. In the Framingham Heart Study for example, higher potassium intake was associated with significantly greater bone mineral density in elderly men and women [ 58 ].

In another study, the DASH eating pattern significantly reduced biochemical markers of bone turnover [ 59 ]. This eating pattern has a lower acid load than typical Western diets and is also high in calcium and magnesium, in addition to potassium, so any independent contribution of potassium cannot be determined.

Only a few clinical trials have examined the effects of potassium supplements on markers of bone health. Potassium supplementation significantly increased bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and bone microarchitecture compared with placebo. Conversely, a clinical trial in postmenopausal women age 55—65 years found that supplementation with potassium citrate at either Overall, higher intakes of potassium from diets that emphasize fruits and vegetables might improve bone health.

adults [ 64 ]. Although individuals with obesity have an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, other metabolic factors also play a role. Because potassium is needed for insulin secretion from pancreatic cells, hypokalemia impairs insulin secretion and could lead to glucose intolerance [ 2 ].

Osmolality is a measure of the number of particles dissolved in a kilogram of fluid. Osmolarity is the number of particles in a litre of flu. Read more on Heart Foundation website. Nuts provide protein and are a source of dietary fibre as well as contributing many vitamins and minerals.

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Potassium is an electrolyte that the body needs to stay healthy. As the American Heart Association AHA note, foods that contain potassium can help manage blood pressure by reducing the negative impact of sodium.

Having high sodium levels can increase the risk of high blood pressure. In healthy people, potassium lowers this risk by helping the body remove sodium.

It also helps manage blood pressure by relaxing the walls of the blood vessels. An adequate potassium intake may prevent or manage high blood pressure.

And if a person has a high potassium intake and a low sodium intake, this may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Potassium may play a role in bone health. Studies have suggested that people who eat a lot of fruits and vegetables that contain potassium may have higher bone mineral density. However, confirming this will require more research.

If the finding is true, researchers will also need to discover the reason behind it and whether supplements have the same effect. A diet high in potassium may also help preserve muscle mass in older people and people who have health conditions that lead to muscle wasting.

High calcium levels in the kidneys can result in kidney stones. Research from notes that switching to the DASH diet may help reduce the risk of kidney stones, as the diet favors foods that are rich in potassium and other essential nutrients.

However, people with kidney failure should not consume too much potassium, as it could have a negative impact. In this case, a doctor will recommend how much potassium to include in the diet. Potassium is present in many plant-based foods, but processing reduces the levels of this nutrient.

Anyone with a diet high in processed foods may have a low potassium intake. Many processed foods are also high in sodium, so a person with a highly processed diet may need to increase their potassium intake accordingly. Overall, dried fruits and pulses are good sources of potassium.

The table below shows specific amounts in 1 serving of various potassium-rich foods. In most cases, a healthy diet provides enough potassium, especially if the diet is low in sodium. Sometimes, a doctor may recommend supplements. There is some evidence that these may help :.

However, confirming that potassium supplements can help treat or prevent these health issues will require more research.

Ask a doctor before using potassium supplements. This is especially important for people who have kidney disease or are also taking other medications. For an otherwise healthy person, a deficiency involves having potassium levels lower than 3.

This cutoff point is lower for people with kidney disease. If potassium levels fall below 2. It can lead to:. Learn more about potassium deficiencies here.

However, excess potassium, or hyperkalemia, can be harmful for people with kidney problems if their kidneys are unable to remove enough potassium. This can be dangerous if the levels rise quickly. Doctors consider potassium levels to be high when they reach 5. In this case, professional monitoring is key, and any level higher than 6.

People with hyperkalemia may have no or very few symptoms. If symptoms appear, they are similar to those of hypokalemia. Anyone taking medication should not increase their potassium intake before discussing it with a doctor, as some drugs can interact with potassium.

For example, drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can stop the body from removing potassium.

These medications are sometimes called ACE inhibitors and ARBs, respectively. Examples include benazepril Lotensin and losartan Cozaar. A person who takes either type of drug and has kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, or heart disease may develop potassium levels that are too high.

Potassium-sparing diuretics prevent the body from excreting potassium in the urine. If a person takes one of these drugs, a doctor will monitor their potassium levels. Examples include amiloride Midamor and spironolactone Aldactone. Loop and thiazide diuretics cause the body to lose potassium by increasing urine output.

This can lead to low potassium levels. Examples include furosemide Lasix and bumetanide Bumex. A person taking any of these drugs may need to avoid high-potassium foods. Learn more here. Potassium is an essential mineral.

Dried fruits, beans, and other plant-based foods can be good sources of it. The mineral helps maintain the health of the kidneys, bones, and cardiovascular system, and it may help manage blood pressure. Potassium chloride is a salt-like metal compound that contains potassium and chloride.

It comes in the form of white, colorless, cube-shaped crystals and has a strong, salty taste. A person can purchase potassium chloride online or in health stores. It is available as a powder or extended-release tablet. Hypokalemia can lead to an irregular heartbeat , which may lead to death in severe cases.

The kidney is instrumental in retaining or excreting potassium from the body. The body can lose excessive amounts of potassium through vomiting and diarrhea. In these instances, a person can use potassium chloride as a supplement to increase their potassium intake.

Other uses of potassium chloride include :. The human body needs potassium to work properly. Potassium helps muscle construction, nerve function, and heartbeat regulation.

It also helps cells to function normally. Benefits of taking potassium chloride include :. Potassium occurs naturally in fruit, vegetables, dairy, and seafood products. Potassium chloride is available by prescription as an extended-release tablet. It is also available as an injectible, ready-made solution, or soluble powder.

In more severe cases, healthcare professionals can administer potassium chloride intravenously through a tube into the vein. A person should consult a doctor before giving potassium chloride to babies and children under 16 years of age.

The table below shows the average adequate potassium intake for adults and adolescents. These figures do not apply to those who release more or less potassium through urine, for example, due to kidney problems or medications.

A person should not take potassium chloride if they take medications that increase excess potassium. People with chronic kidney disease should also avoid taking potassium chloride, as their kidneys might be unable to expel excess potassium from the blood.

A person is at risk of developing hyperkalemia — an excess of potassium — if they have certain conditions, including:. People who take potassium-sparing diuretics , thiazide diuretics and ACE inhibitors may also be at risk of ingesting too little potassium.

People who take potassium chloride may risk consuming too much potassium, resulting in hyperkalemia. Some people with hyperkalemia may be asymptomatic , which means they do not have any symptoms.

However, the following symptoms may occur:. If someone suspects they have taken too much potassium chloride, they should seek medical attention. Most adverse effects result from the way a person takes potassium chloride. Taking the drug orally may cause vomiting and diarrhea.

If a person has an injection, they may experience some complications at the injection site, including:. According to the NIH , people will need to consult a doctor about taking potassium chloride with other medications.

Many people with hypokalemia do not display any symptoms, so it can be hard for a doctor to diagnose. If a person does have symptoms, they may include :. If a person takes too much potassium chloride, they may experience heart palpitations or heart arrhythmia , which can be life threatening.

However, having low potassium levels can also affect the heart, increasing the stiffness of the arteries and reducing muscle movements. A study found that people with heart failure were more likely to take diuretics and have low potassium levels.

Diuretics can increase the loss of potassium through urine. Heart ventricle arrhythmia or an irregular heartbeat is more likely to develop in a person with low potassium levels.

Low potassium levels may lead to increased calcium in the body, which can further initiate arrhythmia. If a person has low potassium levels, they should consult a doctor.

They will recommend an adequate amount of potassium chloride to avoid hyperkalemia and straining the heart. Taking too much potassium chloride may result in hyperkalemia. This is when potassium levels in the blood are higher than usual.

It is the opposite of hypokalemia. Hyperkalemia can develop quickly. Symptoms include :. People whose potassium levels are at the extreme ends of the scale may need urgent medical treatment, as this can be life threatening.

Natural sources of potassium include green leafy vegetables, fruit, dairy products, beans, and nuts. A person can also take potassium chloride as a supplement to increase their potassium levels.