Major intracellular cation; nerves, muscle, heart rhythm, fluid and blood pressure.
Switzerland age 18–65: 3,500 mg/day.
Potatoes, beans/lentils, vegetables, fruit, yoghurt, nuts and dried fruit.
Hypokalaemia can cause weakness, cramps, constipation and dangerous arrhythmias.
Potassium-rich foods support healthy blood pressure. Acute low blood levels usually reflect losses or medicines, not diet alone.
No specific skin, hair or nail signs.
Vomiting/diarrhoea, diuretics, laxative misuse, eating disorders and hormonal disorders.
Serum potassium, ECG, medicines, kidney function and acid-base status when abnormal.
Food first. Do not use potassium supplements without assessment, especially with kidney or heart medicines.
Hyperkalaemia can cause life-threatening arrhythmias, especially with kidney failure or certain medicines.