Potassium Supplements: Benefits, Dosage and Safety
Potassium supplements and potassium-rich foods lower blood pressure, especially when salt intake is high, but the safest way to get more is food: fruits, vegetables, beans and dairy. Pills can cause dangerously high blood levels in people with kidney disease or taking ACE inhibitors, ARBs or spironolactone.
Evidence at a glance
| Use | Grade | What the research shows |
|---|---|---|
| Lowering blood pressure | B | Higher intake lowers blood pressure, especially with high salt intake. |
A: strong, consistent human evidence · B: moderate · C: limited or mixed · D: good evidence of no benefit.
Potassium balances sodium and is essential for nerve, muscle and heart function.
How to take it
Prefer food sources. Use potassium supplements or salt substitutes only if your doctor agrees. See blood pressure supplements.
Safety and interactions
High potassium can cause dangerous heart rhythms. Check interactions with our drug interaction lookup.
Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about the supplements you take. Check combinations with our interaction checker.
Sources
This page is for education and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor. Read our medical disclaimer.