Potassium in diet

Alternative names:

diet and potassium

Side effects:

A deficiency of potassium (hypokalemia) can occur in people with chronic disease or as a result of the aging process. The most common problems associated with reduced potassium levels are hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, depression, and fatigue. A variety of factors that cause the loss of potassium from the body, (including vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems.)

Renal disease (such as acute renal failure) and diabetes, depending on the status of either, can cause fluctuations in the levels of potassium. Many medications can cause depletion of potassium (such as diuretics, cortisone, prolonged use of aspirin, and laxatives). The most common symptom of potassium depletion is fatigue; initial symptoms of potassium deficiency include slow reflexes, muscle weakness, and dry skin. A quick loss of potassium could lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Severe potassium deficiency symptoms include decreased heart rate, extreme muscle weakness, bone fragility and, if untreated, death. However, potassium is the most measured mineral in the field of medicine. A low level of potassium can be determined with a blood test and can be treated with potassium supplements.

Increased levels of potassium are known as hyperkalemia. For this to occur, there are usually other causes, such as reduced renal (kidney) function, a breakdown of protein, or severe infection. If there is no underlying cause for increased potassium levels, the kidneys are able to handle a large amount of potassium, which prevents the blood levels from increasing.