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Potassium Deficiency

In general, deficiency in any of the electrolytes, including potassium does not normally occur as not much is required to meet RDI and most people get enough potassium from their foods.

The only people who may be at a risk for a potassium deficiency are:

• People that have been vomiting excessively or who have diarrhoea
  People who have severe diarrhoea or are vomiting excessively will lose a lot of all their electrolytes very quickly when the fluids are lost through vomiting and/or diarrhoea, but especially potassium levels can go down very quickly. Unless the fluids and electrolytes are replaced quickly, this can have very serious health consequences, especially in small children.
• People who smoke cigarettes
  Smoking tobacco cigarettes can cause a potassium deficiency (as well as deficiency in many other vitamins and minerals) and supplementation may be needed.

In general, deficiency in any of the electrolytes, including potassium does not normally occur

Potassium Deficiency Symptoms

Symptoms of potassium deficiency are:

• Confusion
• Muscle cramps in the legs
• Lethargy and weakness
• Nausea
• Heart failure (only in very extreme deficiency)

People who experience any of the symptoms above should seek the advice of their doctor about potassium supplementation.

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