by Cynthia Wall

Created on: September 05, 2010

It is for good reason that elderly people are advised to eat a banana every day. Many of them are also given potassium supplements to counteract the effect of medications which strip the body of this essential mineral which helps to regulate the heart, water balance, muscle strength and mental function. The normal level of potassium in the blood is between 3.7 to 5.2 milliliters and is usually maintained by a daily intake of 1-3 g per day. However, thousands of years ago, hunter gatherer populations took in about four times that amount but it was all from diet instead of supplements. 

The list of medications that can affect the potassium/sodium balance in the body is lengthy. They include ACE Inhibitors, aspirin, Amiloride, Aminoglycosides, antacids, Captopril, Cisplatin, Colchicine, Prednisone, Digoxin, Loop and Thiazide diuretics, Enalapril, Gentamicin, Glucocorticoids, Haloperidol, Heparin, Indomethacin, Mineral oil, Aldactone, Tetracyclines, Triamterene, laxatives, and more.  Any person on one or more of these drugs should have his/her blood checked regularly to make sure the potassium level is in a healthy range. 

In addition to drugs, any condition causing vomiting and diarrhea such as parasites or gastrointestinal upset can affect the potassium balance. Diuretics to treat high blood pressure are perhaps the number one culprit as they cause the body to lose fluid. 

Symptoms of hypokalemia (low potassium) include muscle aches, cramps, and weakness.  The heart muscle can be affected leading to an irregular heartbeat or even heart failure. When a low potassium level is detected in the blood, an ECG should be done to determine if the heart rhythm is normal. 

Symptoms of hyperkalemia (too much potassium) can also include heart irregularities and nerve signal disturbance throughout the body. Anyone with diminished kidney function, especially those on dialysis, may have too much potassium. Those patients will be advised not to take potassium supplements and to avoid potassium rich foods. However, kidney patients may also have too little potassium. It’s a delicate balance and one that needs to be closely monitored. Diabetics may also have difficulties maintaining the proper potassium balance. 

Potassium works in conjunction with sodium to maintain a proper acid/base level in the body. A swing in either direction can affect muscle action. Potassium also affects the muscle’s ability to store glycogen, its energy source.

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