Overview
What is potassium?
What are potassium’s main benefits?
What are potassium’s main drawbacks?
How does potassium work?
Dosage information
The adequate intake (AI) for potassium in people without known health conditions — i.e., the daily amount assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy — is as follows:[1]
Age | Male | Female | Pregnant | Lactating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Birth to 6 months | 400 mg/day | 400 mg/day | - | - |
Infants 7–12 months | 860 mg/day | 860 mg/day | - | - |
Children 1–3 years | 2000 mg/day | 2000 mg/day | - | - |
Children 4–8 years | 2300 mg/day | 2300 mg/day | - | - |
Children 9–13 years | 2500 mg/day | 2300 mg/day | - | - |
Teens 14–18 years | 3000 mg/day | 2300 mg/day | 2600 mg/day | 2500 mg/day |
Adult 19–50 years | 3400 mg/day | 2600 mg/day | 2900 mg/day | 2800 mg/day |
Adult 51+ years | 3400 mg/day | 2600 mg/day | - | - |
Some evidence suggests that dietary potassium insufficiency might be common: the global mean potassium intake has been estimated at 2250 mg/day, with only 35% of adults estimated to be achieving adequate intakes.[2]
Potassium is found in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, meat, and animal products.[1][3] Consult the FoodData Central database to check the amount of potassium in the foods you eat.
Potassium supplements are generally safe for consumption and are unlikely to cause adverse effects if used within the recommended dosage.[4]
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency?
What is the effect of a reduced-sodium added-potassium salt substitute diet?
Does low blood potassium cause exercise-associated muscle cramps?
Are bananas high in potassium?
What are other names for Potassium?
Update History
Full FAQ and database update
Research written by
Edited by
Reviewed by