Background

Potassium is a mineral that is important for many body functions. Food sources include fruits, cereals, beans, milk, and vegetables.

Potassium plays a role in the transmission of nerve signals, muscle contractions, fluid balance, and various chemical reactions.

Potassium is most commonly used for treating and preventing low potassium levels, treating high blood pressure, and preventing stroke. It's also used for prediabetes and many other conditions, but there's no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Potassium is likely safe for most people when taken by mouth in amounts of up to 100 mEq (3900 mg) of total potassium daily. In some people, potassium can cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or intestinal gas.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Potassium is likely safe to consume in amounts typically found in the diet when pregnant or breast-feeding.

Children: Potassium is likely safe in children when consumed in amounts typically found in the diet.

Disorders of the digestive tract that might alter the speed food and supplements pass through the body (GI motility conditions): If you have one of these disorders, do not take potassium supplements. Potassium could build up to dangerous levels in the body.

Kidney disease: Kidneys that don't work well have trouble keeping a balanced amount of potassium in the body. If you have a kidney condition, use potassium supplements only with the advice and ongoing care of a healthcare professional.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

Potassium is found in many foods, including fruits, cereals, beans, milk, and vegetables. It's recommended that adult females consume 2.6 grams daily, and adult males consume 3.4 grams daily to maintain adequate nutrition. When pregnant, 2.9 grams should be consumed daily, and when breastfeeding, 2.8 grams should be consumed daily. Recommended amounts for children depend on age. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels. Taking potassium supplements along with some medications for high blood pressure might cause too much potassium in the body. But eating food containing moderate amounts of potassium along with these medications does not seem to increase potassium levels.

Medications for high blood pressure (Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs))

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels. Taking potassium supplements along with some medications for high blood pressure might cause too much potassium in the body. But eating food containing moderate amounts of potassium along with these medications does not seem to increase potassium levels.

Water pills (Potassium-sparing diuretics)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some "water pills" can increase potassium levels in the body. Taking some "water pills" along with potassium might cause too much potassium in the body. But eating food containing moderate amounts of potassium along with these medications does not seem to increase potassium levels.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

Some salt substitutes contain high amounts of potassium. Keep this in mind if you have kidney disease or are taking certain drugs, such as ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics. Using salt substitutes along with potassium supplements might increase potassium levels too much.