Potassium as a Supplement

Potassium depletion can be a serious health concern as potassium is a very important mineral that controls many important functions in our body. Potassium helps in the treatment of high blood pressure(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/High-Blood-Pressure.html) and controls the water balance in the body, preventing water retention. It also controls neuromuscular functions and reduces the level of acidity in muscles.
Potassium is essential for the transmission of electrical impulses to the heart, and is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism. Potassium is also responsible for the synthesis of protein from amino acids.
Because of its importance, potassium depletion in the body can cause many heart problems and affect the normal growth of our body. Potassium depletion can be tested easily by measuring the red-cell potassium levels in the blood.

Causes of Potassium Depletion

Potassium depletion can be caused due to a number of factors including:
1. Malnutrition through prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating.
2. The use of “potassium-depleting” diuretics such as Corticosteroids, Insulin, Antacids, Laxatives and Thiazide.
3. Some minerals like sodium and magnesium also regulates the proper balance of potassium in the body. Deficiency of sodium and magnesium can also cause potassium deficiency.
4. Age.

Potassium deficiency in the blood is known as hypokalemia. Common symptoms of hyokalemia include weakness, muscle cramps, fatigue, stomach problems, irregularity in heartbeat, slow reflexes, and abnormal EKG (prominent U waves in electrocardiogram). Hypokalemia must be treated under the directions and consultation of a physician, who can guide you according to your individual needs and condition.

Dosage of Potassium

The recommended dietary intake of potassium ranges from 500mg to700mg per day for infants between 6-12 months. Potassium intake for children aged 1year and from 2 to 5 years is around 1000 mg/day and 1400mg/day respectively. Children above 10 years require 1600mg of potassium each day. In adults, including pregnant women, potassium depletion can be avoided through the recommended dietary intake of 2000mg of potassium per day.

The most effective treatment of potassium depletion is through the diet. Common sources of potassium include meat, beans, citrus juices, milk, apples, bananas, and vegetables like peas, potatoes (with skin), broccoli, lettuce, and spinach. However, patients on dialysis due to kidney failure should avoid high consumption of these fruits and vegetables.

Potassium depletion can also be treated by taking supplements in the form of tablets or capsules; however large potassium intake at a time may cause stomach irritation. Hence supplements must not be taken without the guidance and approval of the doctor.

The amount of potassium in the supplement preparations is nearly 99mg per tablet or capsule. Supplements helpful in treating potassium depletion in body include potassium gluconate, potassium citrate, potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride. Potassium chloride should be avoided by the patients suffering from renal tubular acidosis.

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