Potassium plays a pivotal role in our body, acting as a critical mineral abundant in various foods such as bananas, apricots, melons, potatoes, figs, milk, and more. It is fundamentally involved in balancing intracellular fluid, maintaining normal blood pressure levels, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the nervous system and muscles. Potassium’s importance cannot be overstated, given its critical contributions to our overall health.
Hypokalemia, or potassium deficiency, occurs when the serum potassium level dips below 3.5 mEq/L, presenting as one of the more prevalent electrolyte disturbances encountered in clinical practice. It affects around 20% of hospital patients and is found in individuals outside these medical settings. The normal potassium range in the human body is between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L, with levels falling below 2.5 mEq/L considered life-threatening, though such severe cases are rare. Often, hypokalemia doesn’t show symptoms and is only identified through blood or urine tests. [1] [2]
Causes of Potassium Deficiency
Potassium levels are meticulously regulated within the body due to their vital role in our health. Hypokalemia can lead to serious health issues such as paralysis, ileus, cardiac arrhythmias, and even death. While lacking dietary potassium is rare, especially in Western diets, hypokalemia typically stems from excessive potassium loss through urinary and gastrointestinal excretion. Common triggers include frequent diarrhea, vomiting, the use of diuretics, excessive sweating, and prolonged fever. Hypokalemia often signals underlying health problems that require attention.
