Potassium
Potassium has a strong relationship with sodium, the main regulator of extracellular fluid volume, including plasma volume. Most potassium resides intracellularly, and a small amount is in extracellular fluid.
Where to get it
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Active compounds & mechanisms
Key compounds:
Potassium is absorbed via passive diffusion, primarily in the small intestine. Potassium is excreted primarily in the urine, some is excreted in the stool, and a very small amount is lost in sweat.
Research & evidence
Strong support Some support Weak or no supportColours show how well the sources back each point. The reason is next to each one.
NIH says results from most clinical trials suggest that potassium supplementation reduces blood pressure, and that any beneficial effect of potassium on cardiovascular disease is likely due to its antihypertensive effects. NIH also says more research on both dietary and supplemental potassium is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Moderate evidenceSome support. The source hedges (“may” or “associated with”)
Study details
NIH ODS: "Results from most clinical trials suggest that potassium supplementation reduces blood pressure." "Any beneficial effect of potassium on CVD is likely due to its antihypertensive effects." "However, more research on both dietary and supplemental potassium is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn."
Source: NIH ODS, Potassium — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated June 2, 2022), Potassium and Health (blood pressure and stroke) View source
NIH says observational studies show inverse associations between dietary potassium intakes and risk of kidney stones. NIH also says more research on both dietary and supplemental potassium is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Limited evidenceSome support. Reviewers rated the certainty low
Study details
NIH ODS: "Observational studies show inverse associations between dietary potassium intakes and risk of kidney stones." "However, more research on both dietary and supplemental potassium is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn."
Source: NIH ODS, Potassium — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated June 2, 2022), Potassium and Health (kidney stones) View source
NIH says higher intakes of potassium from diets that emphasize fruits and vegetables might improve bone health. NIH also says more research on both dietary and supplemental potassium is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Limited evidenceSome support. The source hedges (“may” or “associated with”)
Study details
NIH ODS: "Overall, higher intakes of potassium from diets that emphasize fruits and vegetables might improve bone health." "However, more research on both dietary and supplemental potassium is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn."
Source: NIH ODS, Potassium — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated June 2, 2022), Potassium and Health (bone health) View source
NIH says the findings from studies conducted to date on potassium and blood glucose are promising. NIH also says more research on both dietary and supplemental potassium is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Limited evidenceSome support. The source hedges (“may” or “associated with”)
Study details
NIH ODS: "The findings from studies conducted to date are promising." "However, more research on both dietary and supplemental potassium is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn."
Source: NIH ODS, Potassium — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated June 2, 2022), Potassium and Health (blood glucose) View source
Dosage
| Form | Amount |
|---|---|
| Any form | No standard dose is listed by our sources. |
Side effects
Well documented Reported (case reports, anecdotal or one study) None reportedThe circle shows how well documented an effect is, not how serious it is. A rarely reported effect can still be serious, so always read ‘When to stop’.
| Effect | Frequency | When to stop |
|---|---|---|
| Minor gastrointestinal side effects (with potassium supplements)Well documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox | Not stated | Stop and talk to a doctor if you notice any unexpected or concerning symptoms. |
| Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium)Well documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox | Can occur in people with type 1 diabetes, congestive heart failure, adrenal insufficiency, or liver disease; also with medications that reduce potassium excretion | Stop and talk to a doctor if you notice any unexpected or concerning symptoms. |
Safety & interactions
Safety
Potassium supplements can cause minor gastrointestinal side effects. Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium) can also occur in people with type 1 diabetes, congestive heart failure, adrenal insufficiency, or liver disease. Several types of medications have the potential to affect potassium status in ways that could be dangerous.
Contraindications
NIH says that in healthy individuals with normal kidney function, abnormally low or high blood levels of potassium are rare. Hyperkalemia can also occur in people with type 1 diabetes, congestive heart failure, adrenal insufficiency, or liver disease. NIH says several types of medications have the potential to affect potassium status in ways that could be dangerous, and people taking these and other medications should discuss their potassium intakes and status with their health care providers. See Drug interactions.
Drug interactions
NIH says several types of medications have the potential to affect potassium status in ways that could be dangerous. NIH says some medications reduce urinary potassium excretion, which can lead to hyperkalemia (high blood potassium). NIH says people taking these and other medications should discuss their potassium intakes and status with their health care providers.
NIH says several types of medications have the potential to affect potassium status in ways that could be dangerous. NIH says potassium-sparing diuretics do not increase potassium excretion and can actually cause hyperkalemia (high blood potassium). NIH says people taking these and other medications should discuss their potassium intakes and status with their health care providers.
Established: stated plainly by an authoritative source. Documented: supported by case reports or trial data. Theoretical: based on mechanism, animal data, or a cautious listing. Always check with your pharmacist or prescriber.
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