Causes of Low Potassium

Potassium is one of the essential minerals, which is crucial for normal functioning of muscle cells and nerves. It is a positively charged ion (Cation) that is present inside the cells. Potassium plays an important role in normal cellular function and metabolism. It also helps to maintain cell electrical potential, electrolyte balance and acid-base balance in the body. Potassium is necessary for maintaining normal muscular function, in both voluntary and involuntary muscles. It also contributes in transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and regulation of heartbeats. Potassium is important for digestive health as well as the normal functioning of the heart and kidneys. It also minimizes the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Potassium can be obtained through a variety of foods, including fresh vegetables such as broccoli, peas, lima beans and potatoes as well as fruits such as banana, citrus fruits, tomatoes, watermelon and strawberries. Spinach, mushrooms, beef, chicken and fish such as cod, salmon and sardines are the rich sources of potassium. Normal, active adults should have about 3,500 milligrams of potassium daily.

What Causes Low Potassium?

Normal level of potassium in serum is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. If there are even slight changes in the potassium levels, it can interfere with several body functions. Reduced levels of serum potassium are known as hypokalemia, while high potassium levels are referred to as hyperkalemia. Hypokalemia or potassium deficiency is characterized by muscle weakness and muscle paralysis. Some of the common symptoms of potassium deficiency are fatigue, retarded bone growth, improper digestion, renal failure, hypertension and heart problems. About one out of five people are diagnosed with hypokalemia in the United States. Well, what are the causes of low potassium? Read on to know about it.

Low potassium may occur due to various reasons. Excessive loss of potassium from the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract, as well as use of certain medications are the major causes of low potassium.

Loss of potassium from kidneys: Certain kidney diseases such as acute or chronic renal failure or renal tubular acidosis can cause low potassium levels. Low levels of magnesium or increased production of aldosterone can also contribute to hypokalemia. Aldosterone is a hormone that is increased due to adrenal tumors or renal artery stenosis. Kidneys excrete more potassium due to overproduction of aldosterone. Elevated corticosteroid levels due to Cushing’s syndrome or medications such as prednisone can also cause potassium deficiency. Diuretic medications such as furosemide or hydrichlorothiazide can lead to excessive excretion of potassium through kidneys.

Potassium loss from gastrointestinal tract: Certain health conditions such as diarrhea or vomiting can lead to excess loss of potassium. Enemas or excessive use of laxatives can also cause hypokalemia. Significant hypokalemia can occur in some people who have undergone ileostomy bowel surgery. Villous adenoma is a type of colon polyp, which can cause the excretion of potassium from the colon.

Hypokalemia due to certain medications: Low potassium levels may result from side-effects of certain medications such diuretics (water pills), insulin, prednisone, amphotericin B and aminoglycosides such as tobramycin or gentamicin. Medications used for emphysema or asthma such as steroids, bronchodilators or theophylline can also lead to low potassium levels.

Trauma can cause shifting of potassium across the cells, which can lower the levels of serum potassium. Poor dietary intake of potassium can also cause hypokalemia. A very low potassium level (below 2.5 mEq/L) can be life-threatening and needs an immediate medical treatment. Low potassium can be treated with potassium supplements and an increased intake of potassium enriched foods.