01
Why supplement?
✓
Maintains nerve and muscle function
The potassium ion gradient supports nerve signaling and muscle contraction.
Mechanism: Established✓
Supports blood pressure management
Adequate dietary potassium is linked with healthier blood-pressure levels.
Clinical evidence: ModerateADVERTISEMENT
02
How to take it
With foodTake with meals and plenty of water
Best timeFollow your doctor or the product label
Potassium supplement doses are usually low; do not treat low blood potassium yourself with salt substitutes.
General wellnessAdult men 3,400 mg/day; adult women 2,600 mg/day (AI, total from food and supplements)
Specific needsLow blood potassium should be treated only by a doctor using blood tests.
How oftenGet it mainly from food; use supplements only as a clinician directs.
03
What to watch
Cautions
People with kidney or heart disease, or who take ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or potassium-sparing diuretics, should not self-start potassium.
High blood potassium can cause dangerous heart-rhythm problems.
Common side effects
· Stomach discomfort
· Nausea
Rare but important
· High blood potassium can cause muscle weakness and heart-rhythm problems.
Long-term dependenceNot addictive; buildup with impaired kidney function can cause high blood potassium.