Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Potassium deficiency

3-minute read

What is potassium deficiency?

Potassium deficiency is when a person has abnormally low levels of potassium in their body. It is also called hypokalaemia.

Potassium is a mineral that helps regulate fluid in the body and helps muscles and nerves to work properly. It is found inside cells and is essential for good health.

What are the symptoms of potassium deficiency?

If you have low levels of potassium, symptoms may include:

  • weakness
  • feeling tired
  • muscle cramps
  • confusion
  • constipation
  • an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) – skipped heartbeats or an irregular heartbeat
  • tingling or numbness
  • increased urination

What causes potassium deficiency?

Hypokalaemia can happen if someone becomes dehydrated. Some medications can cause the body to lose potassium, such as diuretics (fluid tablets).

You are at risk of developing low potassium levels if you:

  • have vomiting or diarrhoea
  • have a very physically demanding job causing sweating
  • live in extremely hot climates
  • are a professional athlete
  • are taking antibiotics
  • have chronic kidney disease
  • have an eating disorder such as bulimia
  • have low magnesium levels in the body
  • don’t get enough potassium from your diet (though this is very rare)

How is potassium deficiency diagnosed?

Potassium deficiency is diagnosed with a blood test. Your doctor may order a test as part of a routine medical examination, or because you have high blood pressure or kidney disease.

How is potassium deficiency treated?

If you have low potassium, your doctor may recommend you take a supplement. You should only take a potassium supplement under medical supervision, as having too much potassium in the body can also cause serious health problems. If your levels are very low, you may need potassium through a drip in hospital.

Your doctor may also adjust your medications, if they are causing the potassium deficiency, or recommend you eat more foods that are high in potassium.

What are the complications of potassium deficiency?

Someone with severe hypokalemia can experience:

  • decreased brain function
  • high blood sugar levels
  • muscle paralysis
  • difficulty breathing
  • irregular heartbeat

Severe hypokalemia can be life threatening.

Can potassium deficiency be prevented?

Most people can prevent potassium deficiency by eating a healthy, balanced diet.

If you are at increased risk, for example if you are taking diuretics, talk to your doctor about your potassium levels.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: April 2021


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Potassium - Pathology Tests Explained

Why and when to get tested for potassium

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Electrolytes - Pathology Tests Explained

Electrolyte tests: how are they used; when are they requested; what do the test results mean?

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Nuts in a healthy diet - MyDr.com.au

Nuts provide protein and are a source of dietary fibre as well as contributing many vitamins and minerals. Many studies show nuts are beneficial to health, especially heart health.

Read more on myDr website

Fruit and vegetables for children

Learn how to introduce your child to fruits and vegetables and find out why this food group is essential to their health, growth and development.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Five foods to help lower blood pressure

One the easiest steps you can take to prevent high blood pressure is choosing healthy foods.

Read more on Heart Foundation website

Dairy foods: How much is enough? | Nutrition Australia

Learn what dairy is, why it is important for health, and how you can meet the dairy recommendations through the foods you eat.

Read more on Nutrition Australia website

High blood pressure treatments - MyDr.com.au

If you have high blood pressure your doctor may recommend lifestyle measures, such as diet and exercise, and possibly also medicines to control your blood pressure. Find out about the different options.

Read more on myDr website

Salt - Better Health Channel

Too much sodium (salt) can cause high blood pressure and many other health conditions.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Long QT syndrome - symptoms, causes and treatment

Find out about Long QT syndrome, and how an electrical problem in the heart can cause a very fast heart beat and sudden death.

Read more on myDr website

Milk and Milk Products (Dairy Products) | myVMC

Children and adolescents should be encouraged to consume milk products because this is the period of their lives in which they are building their peak bone mass and developing lifelong habits. This article highlights the benefits of milk and milk products, as well as common misconceptions.

Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.