Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Potassium Vitamins?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Potassium vitamins are vitamin supplements that include the mineral potassium as part of the formula for the supplement. The choice of other minerals to combine with the potassium will vary, depending on the types of health issues the supplement is formulated to address. For example, potassium minerals may be combined with calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin C in order to provide relief from prolonged stress.

In the strictest sense, there is no such thing as potassium vitamins. Potassium is a mineral rather than a vitamin. While many people believe that Vitamin K and potassium are the same, that is not the case. Potassium is listed as “K” in the periodic table, which is likely the cause for the confusion. Vitamin K is actually phylloquinone and helps the blood to clot properly as well as help ease the pain of gallstones. Potassium, by contrast, is helpful with a number of ailments, such as helping diabetics to convert glycogen to glucose, or bringing a sense of calm to rattled nerves. However, references to potassium vitamins are found in nutritional books and many advertisements for various vitamin and mineral combination supplements.

Bananas are rich in potassium.
Bananas are rich in potassium.

Like any mineral or vitamin deficiency, the development of a potassium deficiency can prevent the body and the mind from functioning at optimum efficiency. When there are not enough potassium vitamins in the system, the heartbeat may become erratic, the arteries may harden, and the individual may begin to develop high blood pressure. The nervous system is also weakened when there is not enough potassium vitamins in the body; the individual may have trouble focusing on tasks and is likely to become more easily irritated. In severe cases, an anxiety disorder may develop or the person may experience a seizure.

White beans, which are a good source of potassium.
White beans, which are a good source of potassium.

Fortunately, there many effective ways to boost the level of potassium vitamins in the body by using a balanced diet. Including baked potatoes and bananas are excellent ways of adding this mineral back into the body. Greens such as broccoli and kale are also excellent sources of potassium. A healing both that is made from potato peelings can help soothe ruffled nerves as well.

Kale is a great source of potassium.
Kale is a great source of potassium.

Another way of protecting the level of potassium vitamins in the body is to limit or eliminate foods and situations that tend to deplete potassium levels. Prolonged stress can seriously deplete the presence of potassium in the body. Limiting or avoiding alcohol, large amounts of caffeine, table salt, and processed sugar will also make it easier for the body to maintain a healthy level of potassium vitamins in the system.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon283839

I'm not finding any answers to my questions on the internet. I believe I have problems with circulation (I'm 57) where my feet cramp at night, big time, and even doing simple things like trying on shoes at a shoe store cause my feet to cramp.

When you do a search of the internet on foot cramps, many posts say to eat a banana for the K+. Why would there be such recommendations when other posts say you get plenty of potassium from other food sources? I know personally, when I am stressed, I'm more apt to have cramps at night. Is there something I am missing that may be a root factor?

anon137628

I still don't know what vitamin I should take that contains potassium. Does Caltrate Plus D?

anon135621

I just came out of hospital after being admitted with and ECG off the richter, the Doctor couldn't even read it.

I work out, eat well have a BMI of 20 am only a 38 year old female with three children. I was terrified and was baffled as to why my ecg was so severe. As it turned out my potassium was at 3.1 below 3.5, i used to get muscle twitches, tight chested (even thought I was asthmatic).

One thing I can say is I was under a lot of stress and developed an anxiety disorder, i just couldn't relax, go on a train or elevator with out panic. All I can say is I will be keeping my potassium under strict observation. Once the potassium kicked in I passed my ecg stress test with flying colours, unbelievable and here was the cardiologist the day before saying I had a heart murmur and possible valve damage. Yes people, it is very scary and imagine if i was overweight, etc.

pharmchick78

@galen84basc -- I would say you could probably go either way. A lot depends on your lifestyle, not just your diet. Like the article said, prolonged stress or heavy caffeine usage can certainly lower potassium levels, so that could be a cause for concern if either one of those describe your day-to-day.

I also understand your concern about food and vitamins -- and it's true, a lot of foods are processed to the point where they loose a lot of their original vitamins and minerals. This can also be a cause for concern with potassium, though I would argue that as far as foods and vitamins/minerals go, potassium is one of the less corrupted ones.

If I had to come down on one side of the fence, I would say go ahead and get a vitamin with potassium, just because the effects of potassium deficiency are very bad, but I would strongly advise you to speak with your doctor first. You really should do this before you start taking any vitamin or supplement, since they will be better able to advise you about possible drug interactions or reactions you might have.

Best of luck.

galen84basc

So if you're just looking for a multivitamin, is it better to choose a vitamin with potassium, or a vitamin without potassium?

I certainly understand your point about the importance of potassium in one's diet, but is it one of those vitamins that most people tend to get enough of already in their diet, or is it one in which people tend to be deficient?

For instance, say I eat a normal amount of potassium foods -- maybe a few bananas a week, the odd baked potato -- is that enough, or do I need to look for a multivitamin with potassium? I know that a lot of times the supposedly good sources of minerals end up having them diluted out before you can eat them, so is this the case with potassium?

What do you think I should do?

StreamFinder

Cool article -- I think that potassium is one of those daily vitamin needs that you really don't think about, but actually has a huge impact on your life.

I really liked how you explained the whole potassium vitamins thing in a straightforward, easy to understand manner. I think that a lot of times articles about vitamins are either incredibly technical, or very fuzzy, and therefore no help to the majority of readers.

I especially liked how you included the potassium foods -- that will be very helpful for me in planning my diet.

Thanks for a well-written, conscientiously researched article!

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Bananas are rich in potassium.
      By: Nikolai Sorokin
      Bananas are rich in potassium.
    • White beans, which are a good source of potassium.
      By: Schlierner
      White beans, which are a good source of potassium.
    • Kale is a great source of potassium.
      By: silencefoto
      Kale is a great source of potassium.
    • Potassium is listed as K in the periodic table.
      By: jelena zaric
      Potassium is listed as K in the periodic table.
    • Cutting back on table salt consumption can help keep the body's potassium levels in a healthy range.
      By: Jiri Hera
      Cutting back on table salt consumption can help keep the body's potassium levels in a healthy range.
    • A potassium deficiency could lead to foot cramps.
      By: Petro Feketa
      A potassium deficiency could lead to foot cramps.
    • In addition to taking potassium supplements, consume kiwis and other foods that are rich in potassium.
      By: monticellllo
      In addition to taking potassium supplements, consume kiwis and other foods that are rich in potassium.
    • Potassium is an ingredient in most vitamin supplements.
      By: Brian Jackson
      Potassium is an ingredient in most vitamin supplements.