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Deficiency of Potassium in Humans

While most people think of potassium as a mineral, it is also an electrolyte, an essential body salt that conducts electric current in the body. Around 98 percent of the body's potassium is found inside the walls of the cells, where it regulates water and acid-base balance (pH). Potassium is vital for cellular integrity, fluid balance and nerve function. It is also involved in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates and energy production, and helps regulate heartbeat. Potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia, is common in the United States.

  1. Signs of Deficiency

    • A deficiency of potassium can affect nearly every part of the body. Cardiovascular effects include slow heartbeat and pulse, heart muscle damage, heart attacks and high blood pressure. Low potassium can cause headache, backache, muscle cramps or spasms, chronic thirst, weakness, enlarged glands, acne, tooth decay, cold hands and feet, nervous disorders, tingling, twitching eyelids or mouth, edema and sensitivity to cold. The digestive system can be affected with constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. A potassium deficiency can impair immune function, causing a person to be susceptible to infections, slow healing of cuts and bruises and allergy problems. Psychologically, a potassium deficiency may cause loss of mental alertness, poor memory, confusion, irritability, insomnia, poor reflexes, disorientation, depression, boredom, apathetic feelings and mood swings. A potassium deficiency can have a detrimental effect on energy levels in the body, causing reduced mental and physical endurance, adrenal exhaustion and fatigue.

    What Causes Potassium Deficiency?

    • Potassium deficiency is common, particularly among the elderly and people suffering from chronic disease. Several drugs are known to deplete potassium levels, including diuretics, corticosteroids, cortisone, aldosterone, penicillin, long-term use of laxatives or aspirin and saline I.V. Diarrhea, diabetes and fasting can also cause potassium loss. The average person loses about 3 g potassium daily in urine. High sodium levels in the body also deplete potassium because sodium and potassium are antagonists.

    Related Health Conditions

    • Having low potassium levels doubles the risk of stroke. Low potassium may also play an important role in atherosclerosis, hypertension and water retention. Long-term low potassium levels can lead to scarring of the heart muscle, hypertrophy of the kidneys, muscle paralysis, fragile bones, infertility and sterility.

    Potassium Sources

    • The best food sources of potassium are fresh fruits and vegetables, especially watercress, bitter greens, bananas, potatoes and the juices of lemons, oranges, carrots, cabbage, onions and beets. Whole grains, seeds, nuts, wheat germ, salmon and sardines are also good sources. Garlic and parsley are two herbs that are rich in potassium.

    Warning

    • If you suspect that you may have a potassium deficiency, you should have it checked out. If left uncorrected, a potassium deficiency can lead to serious health problems, even death in extreme cases. It is dangerous to take drugs prescribed for other people, so never try to correct a potassium deficiency with a potassium drug that has been prescribed for someone else.

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