What Are the Effects of Potassium Deficiency?

Fluid loss, high-sodium diets, kidney problems, the effects of prescriptions drugs or cancer treatment, diuretics or eating disorders can cause potassium deficiency. Both chronic and acute potassium deficiencies have serious consequences that can be fatal. Potassium plays an important role in the body's muscles and nerves, making it essential for heart and brain operation. Diet or supplements can regulate potassium, but someone with severe deficiencies should see a doctor.

Heart Problems

• Without proper potassium, the heart loses its ability to regulate blood pressure. Chronic low potassium, common in persons with high-salt diets, can lead to hypertension and stroke.

Brain Problems

• Potassium is essential to neural activity; low potassium affects memory and critical thinking skills.

Osteoporosis

• Without sufficient potassium to regulate blood alkalinity, calcium leaches from the bones to perform the job, potentially leading to osteoporosis.

Children

• Potassium deficiencies in developing children can hinder lung development. Giving additional potassium to children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder improves memory, attention span, behavior and test performance.

Athletes

• Potassium lost through sweating during athletic competitions can affect speed and reaction time. The loss of too much potassium can cause loss of consciousness or death. Drinking an electrolyte-enhanced beverage or chicken broth or taking salt tablets can replace lost potassium.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of low potassium include heart palpitations, fatigue, muscle weakness, stomach pains, bloating or an inability to urinate. The individual symptoms may be mild, but experiencing these effects in concert may be related to a serious potassium problem.