Potassium Supplements

There are many essential nutrients and minerals that we need to help our bodies work properly. Potassium is one of these essential minerals, and it has many important jobs in the body. Potassium is found naturally in many foods, and it’s also available in supplement form to help everyone meet their nutritional goals. You can purchase potassium supplements in capsule and tablet form online or in stores at Walgreens.

What is potassium?

Potassium is a key mineral that your body needs to stay healthy. It helps with muscle and nerve function, fluid management and heartbeat regulation. It’s often called an electrolyte because it carries a small electrical charge that affects cell and nerve functioning. Potassium is found naturally in foods like leafy greens, root vegetables, and fruits such as grapes, blackberries, oranges and grapefruits. Many people get enough potassium from the foods they eat but some people need to seek out more potassium in their diet or use supplements to help get enough of this mineral. Potassium supplements come in many forms and can be found in multivitamins or in single-ingredient supplements. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you need help choosing the best potassium supplement for you.

What does potassium help with?

Potassium is important for many processes in the body. It helps with muscle contraction, nerve function, blood pressure and maintaining a regular heartbeat. It also helps with fluid balance in the body, and it works closely with sodium to keep fluid levels normal outside of the cells in the body. Having low potassium levels can lead to high blood pressure, low calcium levels and an increased risk of kidney stones. For people who don’t get enough potassium from the foods they eat, supplements can help. Many multivitamins contain potassium, but it can also be taken as a single-ingredient supplement. There are plenty of options in stores or online at Walgreens. Visit a Walgreens store or the Walgreens website to explore the choices.

Can I take potassium pills daily?

Speak with your healthcare provider before taking a potassium supplement every day. While supplements can help you reach your nutrition goals if you don’t get enough potassium from the foods you eat, it’s important not to consume too much of this mineral. Too much potassium can be harmful to the body and may lead to weakness, confusion and an irregular heartbeat.

The recommended amount of potassium per day varies by age and sex. Adult men should aim to consume 3,400 milligrams (mg) per day while adult women should aim to consume 2,600 mg per day. This amount may be higher for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if you’re getting enough of this key mineral, and they may recommend supplementation. If you have more questions about potassium supplements, speak to a pharmacist at Walgreens or chat with a pharmacy expert online 24/7 with Walgreens pharmacy chat.