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Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that help your body function properly and stay healthy. Most people can get enough by eating a balanced, varied diet. But some may need extra support from supplements.
What is Potassium?
Potassium is a mineral that helps control the balance of fluids in the body, and also helps the heart muscle work properly.
Good Sources
Potassium is found in most types of food.
Good sources of potassium include:
- bananas
- some vegetables – such as broccoli, parsnips and brussels sprouts
- beans and pulses
- nuts and seeds
- fish
- beef
- chicken
- turkey
How Much You Need
According to UK health guidelines, adults (19 to 64 years) need 3,500 milligrams (mg) of potassium a day. You should be able to get all the potassium you need from your daily diet.
What Happens If You Take Too Much
Taking too much potassium can cause stomach pain, feeling sick and diarrhoea.
Official Advice
UK Department of Health and Social Care advice:
You should be able to get all the potassium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
If you take potassium supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.
Taking 3,700 milligrams (mg) or less of potassium supplements a day is unlikely to have obvious harmful effects.
But older people may be more at risk of harm from potassium because their kidneys may be less able to remove potassium from the blood.
Older people should not take potassium supplements unless advised to by a doctor.
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Checked & Approved
Clinical Review Team
Written & Translated
Medical Publishing Team
Last Updated
18 May 2025
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