by Joyce Good Henderson

Created on: August 25, 2010

Potassium is a mineral that affects the health of the elderly.  Along with calcium, magnesium and sodium, potassium regulates heart rhythm, the water balance in the body, conduction of nerve impulses and muscle contractions.  A healthy adult has about 5 ounces, or 140 grams of potassium circulating throughout the body.  A level that is too high is called hyperkalemia, while having too little potassium is called hypokalemia. The kidneys are responsible for maintaining the blood level of potassium and excreting any excess.  Sodium and magnesium also play a role in balancing the blood level of potassium.

Diseases and illnesses that are common among the elderly can cause a loss of potassium. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, malnutrition, and Crohn’s disease can produce potassium deficiency. 

Potassium deficiency can produce an irregular heartbeat, easily missed in the elderly because of the frequency of heart disease.  Other symptoms include gastrointestinal problems, muscle weakness, lack of energy, muscle cramps and numbness of the skin, all of which can occur from many different causes.  Hypokalemia, however, can quickly become life-threatening, especially when it occurs suddenly from a loss of fluids such as during a bout of diarrhea or vomiting. 

Certain medications, such as water pills, or diuretics, taken to decrease high blood pressure, can cause excessive secretion of urine and loss of potassium. Elderly persons taking these medications and certain other high blood pressure pills and Non-Steroidal-Anti-iinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) should consult their physician to decide whether they need to take a potassium supplement.  Diabetics taking insulin may be at greater risk for low potassium levels.  The use of laxatives can also cause potassium loss.

A simple blood test will determine the potassium level.  If the level is below 5.6 grams of potassium, the person is deficient and may be instructed to eat more potassium-rich foods, or take a potassium supplement in powdered or pill form. Supplements should never be used without supervision by a physician.

Potassium deficit is rare in healthy young adults because of its abundance in our food supply.  However, an elderly person can be at risk for a potassium deficiency because their kidneys and other organs do not function as well, making it more difficult for them to maintain their blood level of potassium.  Elderly people also tend to eat less foods that are high in potassium. A recent study has shown that people who consume adequate potassium supplies from food sources have less incidence of cerebrovascular strokes.

Potassium is found in lean meats, salmon, whole grains, beans, milk and yogurt.  Fruit and vegetable sources of potassium include: avocados, apricots, bananas, beets, brussel sprouts, cantaloupe, dates, figs, kiwi, oranges, fresh pears, lima beans, nectarines, potatoes, prune juice, raisins, spinach, tomatoes, and winter squash. 

In persons receiving kidney dialysis, high blood levels of potassium can cause problems, just as serious as low levels.  These persons will be advised to avoid the foods that are high in potassium.

Maintaining the proper level of potassium through diet or supplementation is important for all adults, especially the elderly who are at greater risk for lower levels and health problems associated with low potassium.

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