Question. I have high blood pressure, and a friend suggested I take a potassium supplement. Is that a good idea? If so, how much should I take?
Answer. That’s an excellent question, and it’s one that many people ask for good reason—potassium can be a bit complicated. The short answer is no; you shouldn’t take potassium supplements unless your doctor specifically prescribes them. Here’s why:
First off, it’s better to get your potassium from food rather than supplements. Many fruits and vegetables are high in potassium, including spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, bananas, and avocados. Diets rich in potassium can help manage blood pressure and are linked to a reduced risk of stroke. These diets are also typically lower in sodium and packed with other beneficial nutrients, which may contribute to improved blood pressure.
Now, it can get a little confusing. Many blood pressure medications, especially a common class known as diuretics, can affect your potassium levels. Some diuretics lower potassium levels, while others can increase them. Additionally, certain ACE inhibitors, like lisinopril (Prinvil, Zestril) or ramipril (Altace), may also raise potassium levels. Common pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can have a similar effect.
Maintaining your potassium levels is crucial because this mineral plays a vital role in the function of nerves and muscles, including your heart. Your kidneys help regulate potassium levels, but factors like age, diabetes, heart failure, and other health conditions can impair kidney function. This can lead to elevated potassium levels, which may cause serious heart rhythm issues or even cardiac arrest.
Due to these potential risks, the FDA restricts over-the-counter potassium supplements (including multivitamins) to under 100 mg. That’s just 2% of the recommended dietary intake of 4,700 mg of potassium. You’d have to take a lot of potassium supplements to reach that level, making it even more important to obtain this nutrient from your diet.
However, some salt substitutes in grocery stores contain much higher amounts of potassium. If you’re trying to reduce sodium intake, these products can be tempting; for instance, just a quarter teaspoon of one brand contains around 800 mg of potassium. If you’re on a potassium-sparing diuretic like spironolactone, you should avoid salt substitutes and limit foods high in potassium.
If you’re taking a diuretic that depletes potassium levels, such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide, your doctor might prescribe extended-release potassium tablets containing 600 to 750 mg. If you’re on any diuretic or ACE inhibitor, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor about whether you need regular tests to monitor your potassium and kidney function to ensure everything stays in check.
Photo by Polina Kovaleva
Great info!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea it’s better to get potassium from food instead of supplement.
It's always a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any supplements. I once took zinc, and it led to gastrointestinal bleeding.
It's all true what you write. My husband once got medication to lower his blood pressure and in the end it ended with him going to the hospital because the medication lowered his potassium level so much that he thought he was dying.
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