Potassium is a Significant Mineral Needed by all Living Cell

Age seems to lesson the function of potassium, but deficiencies are rare and usually because of ongoing severe diarrhea, sweating, or vomiting.  These conditions are often short-term problems, and the potassium levels will usually adjust and correct themselves.  A real deficiency is uncommon, but can occur in rare cases and the signs are muscle weakness, twitching, and cramps; cognitive impairment; edema; fluctuations in the rhythm of the heart; nausea and vomiting, protein in the urine; and respiratory problems.  If you take diuretics, it is possible for too much potassium to be lost in the urine and muscle cramps and fatigue are early signs that you have a shortage.

If you use potassium supplements, which are available in pill, powder, and liquid forms, you run the risk of inducing toxic levels if your kidneys are not functioning properly or if the dose is too high.  Signs of too much potassium are muscle fatigue and an irregular heartbeat.  If taking a potassium supplement, you should have professional supervision and ongoing testing.