Potassium test
What does the Department of Health advise?
You should be able to get all the potassium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take potassium supplements, don't take too much as this could be harmful.
Taking 3,700mg or less of potassium supplements a day is unlikely to have obvious harmful effects.
But older people may be more at risk of harm from potassium because their kidneys may be less able to remove potassium from the blood. Older people shouldn't take potassium supplements unless advised to by a doctor.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Good sources of potassium
Potassium is found in most types of food. Good sources of potassium include: fruit – such as bananas some vegetables – such as broccoli, parsnips and brussels sprouts pulses nuts and
How much potassium do I need?
Adults (19-64 years) need 3,500mg of potassium a day. You should be able to get all the potassium you need from your daily diet.
What happens if I take too much potassium?
Taking too much potassium can cause stomach pain, feeling sick and diarrhoea.
What does the Department of Health advise?
You should be able to get all the potassium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take potassium supplements, don't take too much as this could be harmful. Taking 3,700mg or less
Potassium Introduction
<p>Potassium is a mineral that helps control the balance of fluids in the body, and also helps the heart muscle work properly.</p>
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products