question about vitamins

[Mel70]

Hi all,

My question is this....how much potassium does the adverage person need a day? Right now i'm taking a multi vitamin, 500mg of calicum and 250mg of magnesium, but no potassium.

I had a talk with the pharmacist at my local drug store and she told me that no-one should take potassium unless perscribed by their doctor.
What exactly does potassium do? :confused:

Thanks for the help
Mel :wave:

[gwilson38]

potassium works with sodium to help regulate the bodys water balance. Nerve and muscle functions suffer without it. hypoglycemia causes potassium loss as does drinking lots of water. On a personal note, awhile after low-carbing I noticed muscle weakness, general tiredness, and dizziness. I checked with my doc and my blood pressure was only 84/54! He didnt seem to think there was a problem. I added potassium about 200 mg a day and within a couple days I felt so much better...a few weeks later I had my BP checked agin and it was up to 90/60.

[Mel70]

Thanks for the info gwilson.

The only time I get lightheaded is when i'm reading for long periods of time. I had my b/p checked last week, it was 112/74. My doctor said that I was right on target.

Thanks again
Mel :angel:

[doreen T]

hi Mel,

Everything you ever wanted to know about Potassium (http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=214973#post214973)

and ...

The Lowdown on Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium (http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=124369&#post124369)

In general, when consuming a diet with lots of vegetables, fruits and fish, a person can obtain sufficient potassium from food. However, in the early ketogenic stages of low-carbing (Atkins Induction, OWL, Protein Power phase 1) the diet may be lacking for a period of time. As well, being in ketosis causes significant water losses, and with the water, potassium (and magnesium) is lost in the urine .. more than can be replaced by diet alone. Supplements are a simple and sure way to ensure you don't become depleted. Supplemental potassium is safe unless you have pre-existing kidney disease, or are taking certain blood pressure medications which cause the body to retain potassium.

hope this is helpful :)

Doreen