Information on Potassium Levels

Potassium is an important mineral and electrolyte that regulates several important functions in the body. Maintaining a normal potassium level is essential, as abnormal levels of potassium could result in serious medical conditions.

Function

• Potassium plays a role in regulating blood pressure, body water balance, neuromuscular function, and the transmission of electrical impulses to the heart. In addition, potassium plays a key role in muscle contraction, making it important for the digestive system. Potassium levels can be directly affected by kidney function and sodium intake.

  A blood test can check potassium levels. The normal range of potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L in adults (mEq/L is milliequivalent per liter).

Considerations

• Hypokalemia is a condition in which potassium levels are too low, resulting in irregular heartbeats, constipation, excessive fatigue, and muscle atrophy and weakness.

  A condition called hyperkalemia can set in when potassium levels are too high. Hyperkalemia results in irregularly slow or erratic heartbeats and nausea. Both conditions can be serious and should be monitored by a medical professional.

Prevention/Solution

• To prevent abnormal potassium levels, it is important to ingest the recommended daily value of potassium in the diet each day. The recommended daily intake is 2,000 mg for adults and children older than 10. Potassium-rich foods include all meats, fish (especially salmon and cod), bananas, milk, peanut butter, beans, tomatoes and bran.

  It is also important to regulate sodium intake. Higher sodium intake results in lower potassium levels, and lower sodium intake leads to higher potassium levels.