Potassium Normal Value – What Is The Normal Value Of Potassium?

What is the potassium normal value? Find it out here!

POTASSIUM NORMAL VALUE – This is the normal level of potassium and how much potassium should a person consiume according to age group.

Leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, and citrus fruits are just some of the rich sources of potassium.

Potassium Normal Level
Photo lifted from Academy Of Nutrition and Dietetics

Below is the recommended amount of potassium a person must consume according to age and gender:

AGEMALE (per day)FEMALE (per day)
Adults (ages 19 years and older)3,400 mg2,600 mg
Teens ages 14 to 18 years old3,000 mg2,300 mg
Children ages 9 to 13 years old2,500 mg2,300 mg
Children ages 4 to 8 old2,300 mg2,300 mg
Children ages 1 to 3 years old2,000 mg2,000 mg
Babies ages 7 to 12 months860 mg860 mg
Birth to 6 months400 mg400 mg

Potassium is notably among the most essential nutrients that the body needs. For one, it is essential to improve the bone health. It prevents osteoporosis and strengthens bones.

It can also help lower and manage high blood pressure which eventually prevents conditions associated with this like stroke, heart disease, and heart failure.

Now, what is the safe and normal level of potassium?

According to a post from Mayo Clinic, a safe and normal level is 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

When it is less than 2.5 mmol/L, this is a life-threatening condition called hypokalemia. This is dangerous and it needs immediate medical help.

Meanwhile, if it is higher than 5.5 mmol/L or hyperkalemia, this is as well dangerous and may even lead to heart problems.

If you have a hyperkalemia, you must have a low-potassium diet and these are the foods you must avoid:

  • Asparagus
  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Citrus fruits and juices, such as oranges and grapefruit
  • Cooked spinach
  • Melons like honeydew and cantaloupe
  • Nectarines
  • Potatoes
  • Prunes, raisins and other dried fruits
  • Pumpkin and winter squash
  • Salt substitutes that contain potassium
  • Tomatoes and tomato-based products like sauces and ketchup

And if you have a hypokalemia, the above-stated foods are the ones you should include in your diet.

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