Best Potassium Supplements: Top 10 Brands Reviewed

There are many potassium supplements out there. But how do you know which are the best? Below are the top ten best potassium supplements reviews.

What Is Potassium

For your body to function properly, you need to meet certain nutritional needs – the most obvious are calorie needs, and macronutrients. You need proteins for muscle repair and healthy fats for hormone production.

You also need micronutrients – vitamins and minerals that play a role in everything from bone repair to regulating your metabolism. One particular micronutrient that you need is potassium.

It is found naturally in things like bananas, and it serves the role of promoting heart health, regulating your metabolism, and regulating the pH of your cells.

You need to take in potassium on a regular basis, and a lot of people are deficient in it because they don't eat enough potassium-rich foods that contain it, and since it is not fat-soluble, they lose some through sweat and urine and don't replace it.
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You can take potassium supplements to keep your levels up. You should make sure that you don't take in too much through supplementation, though because too much potassium is as bad as too little. ​Here's a quick overview of why you should take in potassium, and how to supplement it safely.

Why Should You Care About Potassium

​The human body needs some potassium to function properly at a cellular level. There are seven essential minerals called 'macrominerals,' and potassium is one of those – the others include calcium, sodium, and magnesium.

They are all important for the proper function of your cells. Potassium is an electrolyte, and it is often added to sports drinks. Potassium is important for cardiovascular health, the electrical activity of your muscles (and remember, the heart is a muscle), and the water balance between cells.

Around 70 percent of the potassium in your body is stored in fluids such as blood and plasma – the remainder is stored in your bones. Potassium is actually a soft, silver looking substance that is alkali and looks similar to sodium.

​It is abundant in the earth's crust and is highly reactive. It tarnishes when exposed to air. ​We only need to take in small amounts of it, and we could get it from fruits and vegetables, in theory, but modern diets don't seem to support that.

In the United States, a place where the vast majority of the population is indeed well fed, it is estimated that 98 percent of the population is deficient in potassium.

Let's take a look at the top 10 potassium supplements reviewed.

1) Now Foods Potassium Citrate 99 mg Capsules

NOW Foods Potassium Citrate has potassium citrate tablets, which are designed to provide support for the nervous system. The supplement also balances your body's electrolytes.

​The supplement contains potassium citrate, which is a kind of bio-available potassium that's naturally present in some foods, and your body absorbs it naturally. This is possibly the best potassium supplement on the market.

Product Overview:

• Essential Mineral
• Supports Electrolyte Mineral Balance
• Supports Nervous System
• GMP Quality Assured
• A Dietary Supplement

More about the manufacturer:

Now Foods is the company being those supplements, and the company has a stellar reputation for selling all-natural products that are affordable. ​The company has been around since the late 60s, and the founder it Elwood Richard, whose family still owns the company.

NOW Foods supplements can help improve your overall health, and they make one of the most well-known potassium supplements in the world.

How to take it:

As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule 1 to 5 times daily, preferably with food.

Bottom Line:

• The supplement contains 99 milligrams of citrate potassium.
• ​It's made by a company that is known for producing quality products and one that truly cares about their customers.
• The supplement provides all of the benefits associated with potassium, and it provides additional support for kidney health.
• In my opinion, this is simply the best potassium supplement available, so make sure you give it a try.

2) Solgar Potassium Tablets

Solgar Potassium Tablets are potassium gluconate supplements in the form of tablets. ​When it comes to the effect of potassium on the muscles, potassium gluconate is particularly effective.

​It helps to balance the pH and electrolyte levels as well as supports the cardiovascular system and bone health. For athletes who want to improve their athletic performance and add extra potassium to their diet, this supplement is ideal.

Product Overview:

• Since 1947
• Nerve & Muscle Health
• Promotes Electrolyte Balance
• Gluten, Wheat & Dairy Free
• Suitable for Vegetarians
• Kosher Parve
• Dietary Supplement

More about the manufacturer:

Solgar is a natural supplement producer that has been around since 1947. This company's mission is to provide its customers with innovative, top quality, and scientifically-backed products.

​Their products are exclusively distributed by retailers in the natural supplement industry with the knowledge and tools to effectively help consumers find the right product for them.

How to take it:

As a dietary supplement for adults, take one (1) tablet daily, preferably at mealtime, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Bottom Line:

• This product contains potassium gluconate in a 99 mg presentation.
• This supplement is ideal for athletes.
• It promotes blood sugar being stored as glycogen; this feeds the muscle energy helping to improve athletic performance.
• This supplement is also ideal for preventing hypokalemia as well as bone loss.
• There is, however, an alternative that uses fewer fillers as well as cheaper alternatives.

3) Jarrow Formulas Bone-Up Superior Calcium Formula

Bone-Up supplement by Jarrow Formulas is designed to support the integrity and strength of the bones. A rich amount of Type I collagen is included, this is a protein that is very present in the structure of our bones, it is crucial for bone health.

​Various bone health supports are also included, one of these is potassium. By alkalizing the body so that the alkaline matter found on the exterior of the bones is not instead used to balance pH, potassium protects bone strength. When no other source of an alkalizer exists, the bone becomes used, this causes the bone mass to be reduced.

Product Overview:

• Up-Formulated
• Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite
• Potassium Citrate & Natural MK-7
• Promotes Bone Density
• Gluten-Free
• Dietary Supplement

More about the manufacturer:

Founded in 1977, Jarrow Formulas is a supplier of nutritional supplements which was incorporated in 1988. Based out of Los Angeles, California, Jarrow Formulas distributes all over the U.S., Canada, and even Mexico.

​They also fund research into nutritional supplements to help guarantee that their customers receive from their products only the very highest biological value.

How to take it:

Take 3 capsules twice per day with meals, preferably dividing the number of capsules equally with each meal (for a total of 6) to facilitate maximum absorption or as directed by your qualified healthcare professional.

Bottom Line:

• This product includes potassium citrate in a 99 mg presentation.
• Added copper, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin D3, and much more.
• Bone health is what this supplement is geared towards. If that is the main benefit that you are looking to gain from a potassium supplement, then this supplement is perfect for you.
• In that aspect, it is the most effective, however, in other areas, it may not be as effective.

4) Emergen-C Vitamin C Super Orange

Emergen-C Vitamin C Super Orange is produced by the Alacer Corporation, and it is one of the most popular supplements out there. ​All you do is add water, and you can drink it. The effervescent tablet provides your body with vitamin C, which is good for the immune system.

However, it's also a good potassium supplement. Super Orange contains electrolytes, with potassium being one of them. This supplement is definitely worth getting.

Product Overview:

• Essential Nutrients
• Antioxidants Vitamin C Manganese Zinc
• 7 B Vitamins
• Electrolytes
• Dietary Supplement
• Flavored Fizzy Drink Mix with Natural Flavors
• Caffeine Free

More about the manufacturer:

Alacer was founded back in the early 70s, and eventually, it became incorporated into Pfizer, which is perhaps the most well-known supplement producer in the world.

The company produces supplements and medicine that can alter people's lives, and they have used their knowledge and experience to produce Emergen-C Super Orange. ​Pfizer is known for producing quality products, and Emergen-C is no different, so you can rest assured it is a quality product.

How to take it:

Ages 14 and up, one (1) packet daily. Empty contents into a glass, add 4-6 oz of water, stir. For lighter flavor, mix with more water. Do not exceed suggested use. If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, consult your doctor before use.

Bottom Line:

• It contains potassium bicarbonate.
• It also has 1,0000 mg of vitamin C.
• Other stuff that's in it includes B vitamins, added electrolytes, and a number of antioxidants.

​This supplement provides you with the benefits associated with potassium. However, it also provides you with the benefits associated with vitamin C, and it contains some other healthy stuff, including B vitamins and four major electrolytes, with one being potassium.

​This is a great potassium supplement, and the company behind it is reputable, so you can't go wrong with buying and using it.

5) Country Life Potassium 99 mg Tablets

The potassium supplement Country Life Potassium comes in the form of a tablet. Potassium citrate, as well as potassium amino acid chelate, are included in the formula in an effective potassium dosage.

A basic potassium supplement, this supplement can be used to help redeem the main benefits offered by potassium, for example, supporting kidney health, bone health and reducing blood pressure, etc.

Product Overview:

• Established in 1971
• Potassium Citrate Complexed With Potassium Amino Acid Chelate
• Certified Gluten-Free
• Promotes Nerve and Muscle Health
• Supports Electrolyte Balance
• Dietary Supplement
• Kosher

More about the manufacturer:

Country Life was founded in 1971 in Long Island, New York. For forty years and counting, Country Life has been a leader in the industry of natural health.

They offer four different brands that are ideal for various health needs, from protein supplements for athletes to dietary supplements. The received in 2012, the USDA Organic Manufacturing Certification.

How to take it:

Adults take one (1) tablet daily with food.

Bottom Line:

• The product contains potassium in a 99 mg presentation in the form of potassium amino acid chelate and potassium citrate.

For experimenting with the mineral potassium, this is the ideal supplement. It provides the consumer with entry levels of potassium, and at a price that is very affordable. That being said, in some ways, the potassium contents are ambiguous, and when compared to other alternatives, the product user more fillers.

6) Solaray Potassium 99 mg Caps

Solary potassium caps supplement contains an amino acid complex, and it is one of the best potassium supplements out there, and it doesn't react with soy.

​It can support muscles, strong bones, as well as provide you with a boost of energy, and it is formulated to balance internal pH. Not only that, but it provides additional amino acids, which are essential to your health.

Product Overview:

• Dietary Supplement
• Amino Acid Complex
• Supports kidney health
• Reduces blood pressure
• Supports cardiovascular health
• Reduces fatigue
• Healthy potassium dosage
• Supports overall health

More about the manufacturer:

As for who makes the supplement, the company is Nutraceutical. Solaray is a vitamin and mineral. The company launched back in 1973, and since then, it has gone on to produce hundreds of supplements, herbal extracts, and many other types of products.

How to take it:

Use only as directed. Take one VegCap daily with a meal or glass of water.

Bottom Line:

The supplement contains a potassium amino acid complex (99 mg), and it is produced by a leading brand that is known for its natural products. ​However, there are a few drawbacks of this product, with one being that the term they use (complex) is ambiguous.

That's the term they use on the label of the product.  What I'm trying to say is the amino acids used are not found on the label, so you don't know if there are more fillers than actual amino acids being used. Fillers are not a good thing.

​The more fillers a product has, the fewer benefits you'll likely experience using it. Those are the best potassium supplements. Each one offers a number of benefits. Go ahead and give one of them a try today.

7) Nature Made Potassium Gluconate 550 mg Tablets

Nature Made Potassium Gluconate is a great supplement to take if you're looking to get your daily dose of potassium. ​It assists in helping convert blood sugar into glycogen, which means your muscles will have more energy.

Not only that, but the supplement can help reduce fatigue and balance out pH levels. It's also worth pointing out that this supplement is powerful. In fact, it may be one of the most effective of its kind. This is why it is worth trying.

Product Overview:

• Dietary Supplement - USP Verified
• Formulated for Easy Absorption
• Helps Control Activity of the Heart Muscle
• Dietary Supplement
• Fuel Your Greatness
• No Artificial Colors
• No Artificial Flavors
• No Preservatives
• No Yeast, Starch or Gluten

More about the manufacturer:

Nature Made is not a newcomer to the supplement industry, as they have been producing supplements for decades, and they are known for their natural supplements.

Their products are affordable, and they support clinical trials, public studies, and they conduct their own trials. The products they sell are based on science, and they have been proven to work, which is why Nature Made produces some of the best supplements around.

How to take it:

Take one tablet daily with a meal.

Bottom Line:

If you're looking for a quality potassium supplement, then you can't go wrong with Potassium Gluconate from Nature Made.

​Their supplement provides you with all of the benefits associated with potassium, and the company itself is dedicated to producing natural supplements that are designed to work. ​If you want to use one of the best potassium supplements on the market, then you'll want to give this one a try.

8) Now Foods Full Spectrum Minerals Capsules

NOW Foods Full Spectrum Mineral Caps are trace mineral capsules. A "full-spectrum" of the minerals required by the body is provided by this supplement.

​Potassium is one of the minerals provided, this electrolyte is essential for the muscular and nervous function, and overall health as well. This supplement also includes calcium, magnesium, selenium, manganese, molybdenum, iodine, zinc, copper, chromium, and vitamin D3.

Product Overview:

• Multi-Mineral Formula
• High Calcium for Bone Health
• Iron-Free Formula
• A Dietary Supplement
• GMP Quality Assured

More about the manufacturer:

NOW Foods makes this product, in the supplement industry, this company is one of the biggest and most well-known. Now Foods has decades of experience in the industry, and in the natural supplement world, they are a proven leader.

How to take it:

As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules daily, preferably with meals.

Bottom Line:

• This product contains potassium chloride in a 50 mg presentation and various trace minerals such as Chromium, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, etc.

Although it contains potassium, this supplement is one that is more of an all-around mineral supplement that is designed to guarantee that the body consumes sufficient trace minerals on a daily basis.

The potassium quantity is enough to be beneficial. However, there are potassium supplements on the market that are more effective.

9) Natural Factors Potassium Citrate 99 mg

Each tablet contains 99 mg potassium, and it offers you the benefits associated with the electrolyte.

​Not only that, but it is produced in facilities that are NSF Good Manufactured Practiced registered, which means you can rest assured that it is a quality supplement. ​The supplement's bioavailability is enhanced because it contains aspartate in its ingredients.

Product Overview:

• Natural Potassium Citrate
• Dietary Supplement
• Supports strong, healthy bones
• Balances internal water distribution
• Balances pH
• Balances electrolytes
• Provides additional amino acids

How to take it:

Take one capsule daily or as directed.

Bottom Line:

• There is 99 mg of potassium.
• It is a good supplement that has qualities that can help prevent kidney stones, and a well-known company produces it (Amazon brand).
• However, there is a downside to it, and that is the supplement that is quite expensive when compared to similar supplements.
• Also, the label doesn't mention the amounts of each type of potassium found in the product.

10) Nature's Bounty Potassium 99 mg Caplets

Nature's Bounty Potassium Gluconate is a supplement of potassium gluconate which comes in the form of a pill. What this supplement promotes is the regular balance of water in the body; it also helps to balance the internal pH.

It also helps to support the active health of the nervous system and muscles. Made in the U.S.A, this potassium supplement has ingredients that have been internationally selected.

Product Overview:

• Supports Fluid Balance
• Dietary Supplement
• Guaranteed Quality
• Laboratory Tested
• Suitable for Vegetarians

More about the manufacturer:

A natural supplement producer, Nature's Bounty, has been in the industry for decades now. They are committed throughout every step of this process to quality, from the beginning of scientific research to the ingredients used and the facilities where they are produced, which are all GMP certified.

​All of their facilities have undergone successful auditing, but the United States Pharmacopeia and Specialized Technology Resources (STR), this organization is dedicated to ensuring that supplement companies strictly adhere to standards of quality.

How to take it:

For adults, take one (1) caplet daily, preferably with a meal.

Bottom Line:

• Potassium gluconate in a 99 mg presentation.
• This potassium supplement is a basic one which offers the main benefits of potassium; particular emphasis is placed on potassium benefits in regards to the function of the muscles.
• Potassium gluconate is a great potassium supplement specifically for athletes; this is because it helps to fuel their muscles with much-needed glycogen stores. That being said, as with the supplement mentioned above, it does contain fillers.

Understanding Potassium Deficiency

Potassium deficiency has the medical name 'hypokalemia,' and it can be caused by some issues – not just a poor diet. People which chronic kidney disease are often deficient in potassium, and it can occur as a temporary condition after a bout of diarrhea, if someone has been sweating excessively (intense exercise), or using laxatives.

It can also occur after severe vomiting or the use of diuretics. ​People who are suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis are sometimes deficient in potassium, and excessive alcohol consumption can cause the issue.

Using antibiotics can affect your gut flora and your digestion, and this can cause deficiencies as well. The recommended daily dose of potassium for an average-sized healthy adult is 4,700 mg.

Most people could get this from bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, green and leafy vegetables, and other similar sources – but people who live on a diet of processed foods might struggle with that and could end up with a potassium deficiency.

Symptoms of a potassium deficiency are not usually picked up until they become quite severe. At this point, if you go to a doctor, they might notice it in blood tests.

​Potassium deficiency can be identified if it is quite serious, though, because symptoms such as chronic fatigue and weakness, cramps, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain will surface.

​At the most severe levels of deficiency, it is not uncommon for people to experience palpitations and arrhythmia. These issues can be life-threatening.

Using Potassium Supplements to Get More Potassium

Potassium supplements are a good choice for people who need a helping hand – they can give you access to more potassium and can help you with deficiencies if you tend to eat a diet that is heavy in processed foods.

These supplements are made from a potassium salt – which could be a phosphate, aspartate, orotate, gluconate, citrate, chloride, or bicarbonate. The different salts are good for different issues – but if you are just looking to supplement potassium for general health, then any type is good.

Potassium supplements can help with the basic side-effects of potassium deficiency and can help to avoid a situation where the most serious side-effects arise.

Some supplements are better for things like gout and kidney stones than others, and if you have an issue like that, it is well worth talking to a doctor. Some supplements are tablets, but others are effervescent or in granule form.

​Some, such as Micro-K or Klor-Con, are capsules that are released slowly into the digestive tract to avoid issues with gastric distress or too much potassium entering the digestive system at the same time.

These are higher-end supplements but are generally thought to be more effective if you are worried about avoiding nasty side effects and want to make sure you get the most bio-available version of the supplement that you can.

6 Benefits of Potassium Supplements That Might Surprise You

Potassium supplements can benefit your health in many different ways. ​They provide support for cellular functioning and prevent the body from becoming either too acidic or alkaline.

​They help to improve metabolic efficiency, strengthen the cardiovascular and muscular systems, and improve gastrointestinal function. Here are some of the many ways that your health can benefit from the use of potassium supplements.

1) Strengthening Cardiovascular Health

Potassium promotes a healthy heart through its electrolyte properties. The heart pulses as a result of electrical pulses, allowing blood to flow throughout the body.

​Potassium is instrumental in ensuring that a steady rhythm is maintained. When there are low levels of potassium in your body, your heart will produce weaker contractions, and its rhythm will be disturbed.

2) Blood Pressure Regulation

Sodium is one of the worst culprits affecting blood pressure, but potassium minimizes its impact. Sodium causes an increase of blood inside blood vessels by absorbing a percentage of the water in them.

​This increase in blood volume creates additional pressure on the artery walls, leading to a measurable increase in blood pressure. Potassium maintains healthy blood pressure levels by counteracting the effects of sodium.

3) Improving Brain Performance

Your brain functions its best when there are adequate levels of potassium present. As an essential electrolyte, potassium is needed for optimum neuron functioning.

Neurons in the brain use electrical signals to learn and for storing memories. Potassium improves the ability of the neurons to perform these tasks. Therefore it is very valuable for improving one's cognitive functioning and memory.

4) Bone Density Maintenance

Metabolic acids cause a depletion of bone structure, which results in a loss of bone density and strength.

When potassium isn't consumed in sufficient amounts, mineral compounds that are part of bones are used to reduce the physical effects of metabolic acids, leading to a loss of minerals in your urine, and increased bone resorption.

​Potassium neutralizes the effects of metabolic acid, thereby potassium helping to preserve healthy bone density in your body.

5) Muscular System Maintenance

Potassium is largely responsible for muscle contraction, which is the primary function of our muscles. ​Potassium, being an electrolyte, promotes better communication for transmitting the nerve signals that tell the muscles to contract.

​Muscles respond to these signals by causing sodium ions to travel into their cellular structure, which in turn causes potassium ions to travel out of the muscle cell through the concentration gradient, leading the muscles to contract.

6) Nervous System Support

The nervous system functions by electrical impulses that are sent through the nerves throughout the body, affecting everything from how well you can see, to how well your nervous system operates.

​Both Potassium and sodium ions support this activity. ​Without proper levels of potassium, your central nervous system will struggle to reach peak performance.

​Who Can Benefit from Potassium

Potassium supplements are beneficial for most people in the United States because most do not consume adequate amounts of it in their diets. It is one of the most fundamental nutrients that nature provides for your body, and the failure to consume enough of it can lead to a wide range of problems.

​Not only can potassium be used to treat specific health issues, but it can also help to prevent them by supporting your body's basic functions. Here is a brief list of conditions that potassium supplementation can help treat and prevent:

1) Potassium Deficiency

Roughly 98% of Americans consume too little potassium in their diets. ​This leads to potassium deficiency, a very common health issue that causes a variety of symptoms, ranging from short-term to more severe.

​Potassium supplements help by ensuring that your body is receiving enough of this vital mineral, thereby preventing the risk of developing this condition.

2) Atherosclerosis

Plaque can build up along your artery walls, leading to a condition known as Atherosclerosis. Plaque is a common substance in the bloodstream and is made up of cholesterol, calcium, fat, sodium, and other substances.

​It can harden over time, which narrows the arteries, causing a disruption of the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your essential organs. Potassium supplements help to prevent high blood pressure due to constricted arteries, which helps to reduce any symptoms of this condition.

3) Cataracts

Cataracts, a condition of the eye in which the lens clouds over and impairs vision, can benefit from potassium supplementation. Unfortunately, they are common and can occur in either or both eyes. Some of the risk factors for developing the condition are diabetes, smoking, and aging.

When cataracts form, both sodium and calcium levels increase, and vitamin C and potassium levels decrease. ​Potassium supplements can replenish potassium levels, directly counteracting the effects of sodium to prevent and treat cataracts.

4) Dehydration

When your body loses more fluids than you consume, it results in a condition called dehydration. ​It can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including lack of available drinking water, diabetes, overexertion, diarrhea, vomiting, and significant injuries.

​Low potassium can also be a cause of dehydration, so taking a potassium supplement could potentially help treat or prevent this condition.

5) Diabetes

There are three primary types of diabetes, known as type 1, type 2, and gestational. All three affect insulin, a vital metabolic hormone.

​Type 1 diabetes can affect people at a very young age into adulthood and is an autoimmune condition that is also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes.

​Type 2, an insulin-resistant form that generally develops as the result of an unhealthy diet, most often occurs in adulthood and is more common than type 1.

​Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy. Consuming potassium supplements helps to prevent type 2.

6) Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a term used to describe a range of diseases that result in liver inflammation. There are three types: A, B, or C. Hepatitis C, the most common form, is contracted by the sharing of needles.

Frequently, there are no symptoms at all, and undetected it can lead to a scarring of the liver called cirrhosis. ​Hepatitis causes those affected to become more vulnerable to the effects of sodium and fluid retention.

Salt can make the condition worse, while potassium can be used to treat it by counteracting the impact of sodium. If you are like most Americans, you probably do not consume enough potassium in your body. Don't wait for symptoms to begin to appear.

​Taking potassium supplements will help to ensure that your body receives all the potassium that it needs to be healthy.

7) Managing Blood Pressure

Potassium supplements can be useful for helping to manage high blood pressure. This condition, which is usually called hypertension by doctors, occurs when blood flow puts a lot of pressure on the veins and arteries.

High blood pressure can be caused by many different things - including excessive salt intake, smoking, and being overweight. People who drink a lot of alcohol are at increased risk of this condition, as are people who do not get a lot of exercise.

​Salt can increase your blood pressure, but sodium is the main culprit - potassium is another form of a salt, and it can help to counteract some of the issues with high blood pressure, which makes it a useful treatment.

8) Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by loss of bone mass. People with osteoporosis develop 'brittle bones,' and they can suffer from limited mobility, increased risk of broken joints, and constant pain.

​There are some auto-immune conditions that can affect your risk of developing osteoporosis, and it can also be caused by some blood disorders, genetics, and nutrition issues, as well as hormone issues. ​Potassium can help to slow down bone loss, therefore reducing a person's risk of developing osteoporosis.

9) Strokes

If blood flow to the brain is obstructed, then this can cause a 'stroke' and lead to the brain cells getting damaged.

Some people who suffer from a stroke end up with permanent damage to their brain and can lose the ability to speak or to move in certain ways, depending on what area of the brain is damaged.

Strokes can be fatal in some cases. Once you have had one stroke, you are at increased risk of having another. ​People with high blood pressure are at greater risk of having a stroke as well.

Older women are at greater risk than younger women or men. ​Potassium supplements are useful for reducing the risk factors of having a stroke.

10) Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones form when there is a mineral build up in the kidney or the urinary tract. When there is a decrease in urine volume or excess minerals allowed to build up in the urine, then the stone is more likely to form.

​Dehydration increases a person's risk of developing kidney stones, and people who have gout are more likely to suffer from them too. Some people are advised to take potassium citrate as a way of alkalizing their urine so that stones do not form.

How to Take Potassium Supplements

Potassium supplements are made from potassium salt or potassium chloride. They are water-soluble, and this means that they can be absorbed well by water, with no fat needed.

This means that unlike many other supplements, you do not need to take them with food; you can take them just with a drink. It is, however, important that you do take them with a drink - ideally water - because the supplements can make you ill if you take them dry.

In fact, you may find that you tolerate them better if you take them immediately after a meal, and wash them down with a drink of water.

Do not lie down after taking them - for at least ten minutes, ideally half an hour, because this could increase the risk of the potassium traveling up the esophagus, which could make you feel ill.

Always follow the dosage instructions and recommendations given by the manufacturer. Excessive potassium intake can cause hyperkalemia, which is quite dangerous.

Are There Any Side Effects

Most people tolerate potassium supplements quite well - there are some occasional instances of side effects, but mostly these occur if the person takes the supplements without enough liquid.

Nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal discomfort should not happen if you are taking the supplements properly. ​If you have persistent side effects, then talk to your doctor about them.

​In addition, don't start taking supplements if you are already taking prescription medications or have a pre-existing health condition - clear the supplement with your doctor first.

How to Choose a Good Potassium Supplement

​There are a few different kinds of potassium supplements. Some are swallowed whole; some are taking mixed with water. Some are based on potassium phosphate, and others are based on potassium chloride.

• Potassium Chloride is used as a general supplement and is good for preventing hypokalemia, or potassium deficiency.
• Potassium Phosphate, on the other hand, is often taken with sodium phosphate to alkalize urine and to help prevent kidney stones.
• Potassium Citrate is another variation, and it helps to treat gout and kidney stones. It is found naturally in food, and it is a good general supplement for people who need to take in more potassium.
• Potassium Bicarbonate is a popular supplement for managing potassium deficiency and for neutralizing excess stomach acid.
• Potassium Gluconate is used to help prevent hypokalemia and can also help with certain muscle issues and blood sugar/glycogen issues. It is used as a general supplement.
• Potassium Aspartate is a form of potassium that is combined with aspartate - an amino acid. It is a sports supplement, and it is quite easy to find in health food stores.
• Potassium Orotate is made from orotic acid and potassium. It is a relatively new supplement and, as such, is still quite expensive, but it is becoming popular as a general supplement because it is highly bioavailable.

​Any of these supplements will work for preventing a potassium deficiency, but some are more effective than others for treating gout and kidney stones, so it is worth talking to a doctor before you spend money on these supplements.

In Conclusion

Potassium is an essential nutrient. Salts have been demonized for a long time, but they are actually very valuable and play an important role in your day to day health.

​It is important that you understand this. ​Avoiding salts can be as bad as taking in too many of them.

Supplementing potassium has a number of health benefits, as you can see above. So, consider adding a high-quality supplement to your day to day nutrition routine, so that you are getting enough healthy salts.