Potassium dangerous to supplement but no upper limit in food?

[elit3keraed]

Back in June I suffered from hypokalemia. Did an ultra low carb, high fiber diet then did a massive carb up with virtually no protein which put my potassium at 2.6. Went to the hospital and was out th next day with my potassium at 5.

I’ve been consistent getting 4700 MINIMUM potassium from food sources but am confused as to why the FDA apparently doesn’t allow more than 100mg of potassium in a multivitamin due to risk of OD…

How can I eat 6000mg of potassium in a day but if I were to take an Animal Pak multi at the “recommended” dosage of 2 packs (which is 200mg of total potassium) I’m taking a risk?

Is there a problem with taking 100mg of supplementary potassium from my multi alongside the 4700-5500 daily potassium I get from food? (I eat a good amount of russet potatoes, meat and a few cups of milk a day so I get a good amount of potassium).


I don’t wanna just toss my multis out but from online reading you’d swear I’d drop dead if I took 100mg of potassium alongside my daily dosage. I used to not get much potassium so it wasn’t ever a question but a bout of hypokelmia makes you question a lot

 

[Wardamn]

Back in June I suffered from hypokalemia. Did an ultra low carb, high fiber diet then did a massive carb up with virtually no protein which put my potassium at 2.6. Went to the hospital and was out th next day with my potassium at 5.

I’ve been consistent getting 4700 MINIMUM potassium from food sources but am confused as to why the FDA apparently doesn’t allow more than 100mg of potassium in a multivitamin due to risk of OD…

How can I eat 6000mg of potassium in a day but if I were to take an Animal Pak multi at the “recommended” dosage of 2 packs (which is 200mg of total potassium) I’m taking a risk?

Is there a problem with taking 100mg of supplementary potassium from my multi alongside the 4700-5500 daily potassium I get from food? (I eat a good amount of russet potatoes, meat and a few cups of milk a day so I get a good amount of potassium).


I don’t wanna just toss my multis out but from online reading you’d swear I’d drop dead if I took 100mg of potassium alongside my daily dosage. I used to not get much potassium so it wasn’t ever a question but a bout of hypokelmia makes you question a lot

Taking your multi vitamin is fine.

 

[elit3keraed]

Taking your multi vitamin is fine.

Alright but if I die I’m going to haunt you .

 

[Bolan]

The main reasons are BP meds like Lisinopril is potassium storing.
I have to keep my potassium lower so I don't get Hypokalemia.

Lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia (dangerously high blood potassium levels), especially when combined with potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium, or a high-potassium diet. A potassium level in the blood greater than 5.5 mEq/L is generally considered high, and levels of 6.0 mEq/L or higher can be especially dangerous.

Risks and Complications
Lisinopril reduces the body's ability to excrete potassium through the kidneys, leading to potassium retention. Too much potassium can cause serious, life-threatening complications, including:

• Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular or very fast/slow heartbeats)
• Cardiac arrest (the heart stopping suddenly)
• Muscle paralysis

The risk is higher for individuals who are elderly, dehydrated, or have pre-existing kidney disease, diabetes, or heart failure.


Symptoms of High Potassium
Mild hyperkalemia often has no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• Fatigue or unusual weakness
• Confusion
• Heart palpitations, a weak pulse, or chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Management and Precautions

• Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as many contain potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride.
• Limit high-potassium foods like bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes, if advised by your healthcare provider. A doctor or registered dietitian can help determine the appropriate dietary potassium intake for you.
• Regular monitoring of serum potassium levels and kidney function through blood tests is essential, especially when starting lisinopril or adjusting the dose.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of hyperkalemia.

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about which foods, over-the-counter medications, and supplements are safe to use while taking lisinopril. Do not stop or change any medications without medical advice.

 

[elit3keraed]

The main reasons are BP meds like Lisinopril is potassium storing.
I have to keep my potassium lower so I don't get Hypokalemia.

Lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia (dangerously high blood potassium levels), especially when combined with potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium, or a high-potassium diet. A potassium level in the blood greater than 5.5 mEq/L is generally considered high, and levels of 6.0 mEq/L or higher can be especially dangerous.

Risks and Complications
Lisinopril reduces the body's ability to excrete potassium through the kidneys, leading to potassium retention. Too much potassium can cause serious, life-threatening complications, including:

• Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular or very fast/slow heartbeats)
• Cardiac arrest (the heart stopping suddenly)
• Muscle paralysis

The risk is higher for individuals who are elderly, dehydrated, or have pre-existing kidney disease, diabetes, or heart failure.


Symptoms of High Potassium
Mild hyperkalemia often has no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• Fatigue or unusual weakness
• Confusion
• Heart palpitations, a weak pulse, or chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Management and Precautions

• Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as many contain potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride.
• Limit high-potassium foods like bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes, if advised by your healthcare provider. A doctor or registered dietitian can help determine the appropriate dietary potassium intake for you.
• Regular monitoring of serum potassium levels and kidney function through blood tests is essential, especially when starting lisinopril or adjusting the dose.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of hyperkalemia.

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about which foods, over-the-counter medications, and supplements are safe to use while taking lisinopril. Do not stop or change any medications without medical advice.

Gotcha. So basically “dont supplement potassium if you’re on potassium storing meds” not so much “dont supplement cuz you could OD as a regular individual”

I did think it was weird that I was given IV potassium and oral potassium to the tune of like

 

[Machforce1]

I’ve often wondered this myself, but never bothered to research it. It may have something to do with the potassium in food likely being bound, which would take longer to absorb via digestion. Whereas supplemental potassium is in a pure form and may potentially absorb much quicker which can cause issues. I believe potassium is what they give animals when being euthanized because it stops the heart in large enough doses.

 

[elit3keraed]

I’ve often wondered this myself, but never bothered to research it. It may have something to do with the potassium in food likely being bound, which would take longer to absorb via digestion. Whereas supplemental potassium is in a pure form and may potentially absorb much quicker which can cause issues. I believe potassium is what they give animals when being euthanized because it stops the heart in large enough doses.

Yea potassium is used in lethal injections but injecting potassium directly into your veins would 100% be different to an absorbing it through the stomach.

While going through the forums I did find some dudes talking about getting 8-10g of potassium a day and taking multiple 500mg potassium pills throughout the day so I’m assuming it’s more so the supplementing when you have kidney issues or are on potassium storing meds

 

[FearsomeCOR]

Potassium as a supplement like say potsssium chloride for example are going to be another way faster by the body than getting potassium through a whole food meal. Food takes a long time in our system to be digested and nutrients to be absorbed by the body.

This is why most K supplements are limited to 99mg, as obviously a fast serum spike in blood potassium levels can be fatal.

 

[ruffus]

With food the body has time to absorb it and get it out of the system before concentrations in the blood get to high. when taking a pill a large bolus can get in the system al at one causing far higher concentrations in the blood.

 

[elit3keraed]

Potassium as a supplement like say potsssium chloride for example are going to be another way faster by the body than getting potassium through a whole food meal. Food takes a long time in our system to be digested and nutrients to be absorbed by the body.

This is why most K supplements are limited to 99mg, as obviously a fast serum spike in blood potassium levels can be fatal.

See that’s what I originally thought but I’ve come across a couple posts on this site alone where guys are talking about them supplementing 500 mg of potassium with every meal
I’m assuming that 100 mg of potassium alongside your food wouldn’t be anything to worry about though. Especially if people are eaten 500 mg with meat and potatoes and foods that also contain potassium

 

[elit3keraed]

With food the body has time to absorb it and get it out of the system before concentrations in the blood get to high. when taking a pill a large bolus can get in the system al at one causing far higher concentrations in the blood.

So then 100 mg would not be an issue in a multivitamin alongside a high potassium diet assuming I don’t take potassium storing blood pressure medication or anything like that?

 

[Machforce1]

See that’s what I originally thought but I’ve come across a couple posts on this site alone where guys are talking about them supplementing 500 mg of potassium with every meal
I’m assuming that 100 mg of potassium alongside your food wouldn’t be anything to worry about though. Especially if people are eaten 500 mg with meat and potatoes and foods that also contain potassium

Maybe not an issue for some, possibly for others. Me personally, I wouldn’t try the 500’s. There’s a reason why most potassium supplements are 99 mg.

 

[FearsomeCOR]

See that’s what I originally thought but I’ve come across a couple posts on this site alone where guys are talking about them supplementing 500 mg of potassium with every meal
I’m assuming that 100 mg of potassium alongside your food wouldn’t be anything to worry about though. Especially if people are eaten 500 mg with meat and potatoes and foods that also contain potassium

Everyone’s body is different. It also will depend on sodium intake, diet, drugs (aas and medications), fluid intake etc.

IMO supplementing potassium (whether through pills, nusalt etc) should be restricted to use when peaking and even then rarely. Supplementing it is not generally something I’d recommend assuming you eat a well balanced diet, but that’s just my opinion.

 

[elit3keraed]

Everyone’s body is different. It also will depend on sodium intake, diet, drugs (aas and medications), fluid intake etc.

IMO supplementing potassium (whether through pills, nusalt etc) should be restricted to use when peaking and even then rarely. Supplementing it is not generally something I’d recommend assuming you eat a well balanced diet, but that’s just my opinion.

Forsure. I get a minimum of 4700mg a day so I’m not really struggling to make it. Just didn’t want to toss out my stash of multis. It’s potassium sulfate which from my understanding isn’t really a good form (compared to potassium chloride). Figure I’ll just take it and see what happens. Cant imagine 100mg killing my especially after being given almost 2g of potassium chloride in the ER.

 

[ruffus]

So then 100 mg would not be an issue in a multivitamin alongside a high potassium diet assuming I don’t take potassium storing blood pressure medication or anything like that?

For most people , no. I have taken more then that with no issue. For those that have special issues then maybe. Most all guidelines i find are set up conservatively to protect the rare case from doing harm to themselves as they are not bright enough to use common sense.

 

[FearsomeCOR]

Forsure. I get a minimum of 4700mg a day so I’m not really struggling to make it. Just didn’t want to toss out my stash of multis. It’s potassium sulfate which from my understanding isn’t really a good form (compared to potassium chloride). Figure I’ll just take it and see what happens. Cant imagine 100mg killing my especially after being given almost 2g of potassium chloride in the ER.

100mg in your multi is fine if that’s what you’re asking bro. Drop in the bucket.

 

[elit3keraed]

100mg in your multi is fine if that’s what you’re asking bro. Drop in the bucket.

Yea thats pretty much what im asking lol. I can easily ingest 5000+mg of potassum in a day so im not missing out. Just wanna fill in the rest of my micros that I miss in my diet but didn’t wanna have to dump like 5vbottles of multis

 

[Wiseguy]

Normal levels of potassium for an adult range from 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L.
It's important to note that the recommended daily potassium intake varies depending on individual factors. If you have concerns about your potassium levels, consult a healthcare professional for guidance. Multi Vitamins is fine. Banana's, Potatoes and spinach are some of the high Potassium foods.