Supplement Scholar
Mineral

Potassium

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Potassium. Major intracellular cation essential for BP control, muscle function, and acid-base balance.

How it works. Maintains resting membrane potential; counterbalances sodium for BP regulation.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Lowers BP in hypertensives (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 4,700 mg/d from diet; supplements limited to 99 mg/tablet OTC in US.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Hyperkalemic arrhythmia in CKD/ACEi users.

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3, CoQ10.

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Potassium. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Potassium. Major intracellular cation essential for BP control, muscle function, and acid-base balance.

Element K · Z = 19K · 39.0983 g/mol

What it is

Major intracellular cation essential for BP control, muscle function, and acid-base balance.

Food sources

PotatoesBananasBeansLeafy greens

Goals

How it works

Maintains resting membrane potential; counterbalances sodium for BP regulation.

Pathways

  • Na/K ATPase
  • Vascular smooth muscle relaxation

Effects

  • ↓Blood pressure (in high-sodium diets) decreases

What the research supports

Lowers BP in hypertensivesstrong
Reduces stroke riskmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
4,700 mg/d from diet; supplements limited to 99 mg/tablet OTC in US
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the potassium chloride form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Serious

  • Hyperkalemic arrhythmia in CKD/ACEi users

Medication interactions

ACE inhibitors / ARBs / spironolactonesevere

Hyperkalemia risk.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3Anti-inflammatory cardiovascular synergy.
  • CoQ10Supports mitochondrial energetics in cardiac tissue.

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Potassium — Lowers BP in hypertensives ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Potassium and "Lowers BP in hypertensives". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Potassium — Reduces stroke risk ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Potassium and "Reduces stroke risk". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Potassium — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Potassium and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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