Potassium Supplements: A Guide to Benefits, Types, and Dosages

Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte that has many important jobs in your body. Many organs depend on potassium, so it’s important that your body has enough of it.

Potassium is found in many different foods, so many people get enough from their diet alone. But some people need a potassium supplement to help boost their levels. This may be the case if you have certain medical conditions or take medications that can lower potassium. 

There are different types of potassium supplements, and we’re here to help you understand your options.

What does potassium do for your body?

Potassium is an important mineral and electrolyte in your body. It helps support many important roles in your body, like: 

• Nerve transmission

• Kidney function

• Muscle contraction

• Keeping your heart rate regular

• Stabilizing blood pressure

• Regulating blood sugar

Because potassium plays such an important role, it’s included in a common blood test called an electrolyte panel.

What are the benefits of potassium supplements?

The main benefit of potassium supplements is helping keep your potassium levels in an ideal range. 

Most people get enough potassium from their diet (more on that below), but some people may need additional potassium. Others may have too much potassium because of medical conditions, such as kidney disease, or certain medications.

An optimal potassium level is usually between 3.5 mEq/L and 5 mEq/L. The only way to know your potassium level is through a blood test. When your potassium level is low, it’s called hypokalemia. Your healthcare team can check your levels and, if they’re out of range, help you figure out why.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• What’s the best potassium supplement? Potassium chloride is usually best for treating low potassium levels, while potassium citrate is often best for kidney stones. Learn more about choosing the best supplement for you.

• Can low potassium cause dizziness? Understanding what low potassium can feel like is important if you’re at risk for low levels.

• Potassium and blood pressure: Learn more about how your potassium levels can affect your blood pressure.

Some potassium supplements can also help prevent kidney stones.

Types of potassium supplements

Potassium is available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription options. Most OTC potassium supplements contain lower amounts of potassium — usually less than 99 mg per serving. This is about 2.5 mEq of potassium. Some multivitamins also contain potassium in smaller amounts (about 80 mg). Check the “Drug Facts” label to see how much potassium is in an OTC product.

Prescription potassium products have higher doses. These doses are usually written as mEq, not mg. Prescription potassium is for treating or preventing hypokalemia:

• The adult dosage for treating hypokalemia is typically 40 mEq to 100 mEq per day. But it isn’t recommended to take more than 40 mEq of potassium at one time. 

• For preventing hypokalemia, the dosage is typically 20 mEq per day.

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The table below shows a breakdown of prescription potassium supplements.

Side effects of potassium supplements

Side effects of potassium supplements include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Upset stomach

• Gas

• Diarrhea 

Regardless of the form, potassium supplements can sometimes upset your stomach. It’s best to take them with food and plenty of liquid. Always take them as directed according to the prescription or the label. When in doubt, your pharmacist or other healthcare professional can help.

Too much potassium can cause hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels in your blood. This can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to only take extra potassium if a healthcare professional recommends it.

Which is the best potassium supplement for you?

With so many options, choosing a potassium supplement may feel overwhelming. If you have low potassium levels, your healthcare team can help you decide on the best potassium supplement for you. The right choice usually depends on your potassium level, personal preferences, and cost.

In general, potassium chloride is a first-choice option for preventing and treating hypokalemia. It’s effective at reversing the most common types of hypokalemia in most cases. It can also help replace chloride lost through diuretic medications, vomiting, or diarrhea. Potassium chloride is also available in the widest variety of formulations.

If you have kidney stones or want to prevent them from forming, potassium citrate would be a better option.

Potassium chloride vs. citrate vs. gluconate

Potassium chloride, potassium citrate, and potassium gluconate are all popular potassium salts. They all contain potassium, but there are some differences to know:

• Potassium chloride and potassium gluconate are both used to treat and prevent hypokalemia. But potassium gluconate contains less elemental potassium than potassium chloride.

• Potassium citrate is used for kidney stones, not hypokalemia.

How much potassium do you need per day?

The amount of potassium you need each day depends on several factors, like your age, sex, and whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Most people get enough potassium from their diet. If your potassium levels are out of normal range, your healthcare team will help you figure out how to best meet your body’s needs.

The chart below shows the daily recommended amounts of total potassium intake (from both diet and supplements) by age group.

Foods high in potassium

Potassium is found in many of the foods and drinks you may already eat. Your diet likely gives you enough potassium every day. Common examples include:

• Fruits like raisins, bananas, and dried apricots

• Vegetables like potatoes, squash, and tomatoes

• Lentils, kidney beans, nuts, and soybeans

• Meats, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products like milk and yogurt

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Written by:

Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, CPh, PACS

Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in Florida. She has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 15 years and is currently a medical writer.

Reviewed by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

Reviewed by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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