Am I At Risk Of Potassium Deficiency?

Do you use medications called water pills or diuretics?

Do you have prolonged diarrhea or vomiting?

Do you use laxatives daily?

Do you have an eating disorder such as bulimia?

Do you eat clay or have a diagnosis of pica?

Do you have physically demanding job?

Do you exercise in hot climates and sweat a lot?

Do you have inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

Do you have a diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism?

Do you have a chronic kidney disease?

As far as you know, do you have a low magnesium level?

As far as you know, do you have a folic acid deficiency?

Do you have any of these genetic disorders: hypokalemic periodic paralysis, Bartter syndrome?

Do you smoke?

Do you drink excessively (women who consume eight or more drinks per week, and men who consume 15 or more drinks per week)?

Based on your answers you have a low risk of potassium deficiency. Potassium is a mineral that your body needs for the proper functioning of your heart, kidneys and nervous system. It also helps your muscles to contract. Potassium plays an important role in transferring nutrients to cells and removing waste products from them. The amount of potassium that will meet your daily needs depends on your age, gender and overall health. Many people get the right amount of potassium from what they eat or drink. Good sources of potassium are fruits and vegetables, lentils, beans, soybeans, nuts, milk, yogurt, meats, poultry and fish.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk of potassium deficiency. Potassium deficiency refers to potassium blood levels lower than 3,5 mmol/L. Many people in the US have a diet that provides less than recommended amounts of potassium per day. The most common causes of low potassium are prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, laxative abuse and the use of certain medications (e.g. diuretics). Insufficient potassium intake can increase your blood pressure, drain calcium from your bones and increase the risk of kidney stones. A diet low in potassium and high in salt can significantly increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Based on your answers you have a high risk of potassium deficiency. Potassium deficiency or hypokalemia can negatively affect your body in a number of ways. Too little potassium in your body can cause your bones to lose calcium and become weaker. At the same time, calcium accumulates in your kidneys and urine, increasing the risk of kidney stones. Hypokalemia can also cause elevated blood sugar levels and potential risk of type 2 diabetes. Based on an assessment of risk factors and blood tests, your doctor may recommend dietary changes, changing a medication that affects potassium levels, or treatment for another underlying condition.