Potassium Citrate is used to provide general potassium
supplementation. Higher amounts of
potassium are supplemented primarily to correct significant depletion of
potassium, or to
treat high blood pressure related to an imbalance between potassium and
sodium.
Biological electrolytes facilitate the electrical
performance of muscle and nerve tissue. Accordingly, persisting imbalances
in the respective electrolyte concentrations eventually result in
disturbed physiology. The effectiveness of potassium
and sodium mediated actions is a function of their appropriate
concentration ratio. A dietary K:Na ratio of 5:1 is
typically recommended for maintaining health.(1) And this may not be an
optimal ratio. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables
could conceivably result in a K:Na ratio of 100:1 or
greater.(1)
However, fruits and vegetables do not comprise a
central part of the typical North American diet, and added table salt to
the diet is a wide spread norm, so it is little wonder
that the North American K:Na ratio is 1:2 or less.(1) The potassium
citrate and other OTC potassium supplements in North
America are restricted by the FDA and HPB to 99 mg per tablet (2.53 mEq).
This restriction is predicated on concerns
for potential potassium over use and the medical consequences of potassium
electrolyte imbalance. However, the salt
substitute products that emphasize potassium in relation to sodium can
provide up to 530 mg (13.55 mEq) for each
1/6 teaspoon, and they have not been associated with medical
problems.(1)
Self selected OTC potassium products restricted
to 99 mg per tablet are unlikely to provide serious adjustment towards a
more optimal K:Na ratio. By and in large, in
a healthy body dietary electrolyte imbalances are corrected by renal
excretion. However, this may not be well done as one
grows older, predisposing to health problems that require medical
recognition of electrolyte imbalances. The best management
of potassium and sodium is to consume copious amounts of our daily
calories as plant food, and restrict
added table salt.
ACE inhibitors decrease aldosterone secretion, resulting
in increased sodium and water
excretion and potassium retention.(3) Potassium supplementation can lead
to hyperkalemia.
(1,2) Potassium-sparing diuretics used with potassium supplementation can
lead to
hyperkalemia.(1,2) Potassium depletion associated with diuretic therapy
sensitizes the
myocardium to digitalis and may result in digitalis toxicity with the
usual doses of digitalis.
(4)
Potassium supplementation can cause stomach upset,
nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, belching,
flatulence, and ulcers.(2) Hyperkalemia, defined as serum potassium above
5 mEq/L,
can cause paresthesia, generalized weakness, flaccid paralysis,
listlessness, vertigo, mental
confusion, hypotension, blood in the stool, cardiac arrhythmias, heart
block, and death.(2)
For general supplementation, use 1 to 3 tablets per day
or as directed by a physician. For
potassium depletion due to protracted vomiting and/or diarrhea, potassium
repletion can
be best fulfilled by using a salt substitute that emphasizes potassium
content, used in a
manner that is tolerable during sickness. Physician guidance is required
if potassium
depletion evokes symptoms of electrolyte imbalance. Medical treatment with
potassium
for high blood pressure has found that 2.5 to 5.0 grams per day in divided
amounts may
be required, and with sodium restrictions.(1)
1. Murray, Michael T., Encyclopedia of Nutritional
Supplements, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1996
2. Jellin, J.M., Gregory, P.J., Batz, F., Hitchens, K., et al,
Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database, 4th ed,
Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty, pp1026-1028, 2002
3. Schafer, James A., Renal Regulation of Potassium, Calcium, and
Magnesium, in Essential Medical Physiology, Leonard R. Johnson, editor,
second
edition, Lippincott Raven, New York, 1998
4. Thomas, Clayton L., editor, Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, F.A.
Company, Philadelphia, 1985
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
