What it does
Helps fluid balance, nerve signaling and muscle contraction.
Possible deficiency symptoms
Low blood potassium can cause weakness, constipation or abnormal heart rhythms. Medicines and fluid losses are common considerations.
Food sources
Potatoes; beans; lentils; yogurt; vegetables; fruit.
Supplement forms
Potassium chloride and potassium citrate.
Before taking a supplement
Kidney disease, certain blood-pressure medicines and potassium salt substitutes can increase the risk of dangerously high potassium.
Questions for your visit
Could my diet, medicines, absorption or another condition explain my concern? What evidence would support treatment, and how would we check whether it helps?
Names you may see
Potassium
Sources & perspective
This is an editorial adaptation of the Purser Wellness nutrient reference app. Purser teaching connections are labeled separately from clinical interpretation. Private cases and individual treatment protocols are not reproduced.
Use the public resources below for additional context.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Potassium