About Potassium
Primary intracellular electrolyte essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction—including cardiac rhythm. Works in opposition to sodium: higher potassium intake helps lower blood pressure by promoting sodium excretion. The FDA limits over-the-counter potassium supplements to 99 mg per dose due to risk of GI irritation; most dietary potassium should come from foods like bananas, potatoes, and leafy greens. Kidney disease patients must monitor intake closely.
What Potassium supports
- Regulates blood pressure
- Enables muscle function
How much Potassium to take
Clinical studies typically use 99–500 mg of Potassium. FDA limits OTC potassium supplements to 99 mg per dose form due to GI injury risk. Most potassium should come from food (RDA 3,400 mg). Clinical hypertension doses (2,000–4,000 mg) are from dietary sources, not supplements.
- RDA
- 3400 mg
- Effective range
- 99–500 mg
Clinical evidence
Strong clinical evidence. Multiple trials confirm blood pressure reduction via sodium excretion; FDA limits supplements to 99mg/dose
NIH Fact Sheet