The amount of potassium that is considered "too much" can lead to a condition called hyperkalemia, which is when potassium levels in the blood exceed about 5.0 to 5.5 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Levels above this range can be dangerous and may cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, nausea, and in extreme cases, paralysis. Potassium levels above 6.5 mmol/L can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. For healthy adults, potassium from foods rarely causes hyperkalemia because the kidneys efficiently remove excess potassium. However, too much potassium from supplements or impaired kidney function can raise potassium levels to dangerous levels. Typical daily potassium needs are about 3,400 mg for adult men and 2,600 mg for adult women, with no set upper limit for potassium from food, but caution is needed with supplements, which the FDA limits to less than 100 mg per serving without a prescription. People with chronic kidney disease, those on certain blood pressure medications (like ACE inhibitors), and older adults may be at higher risk for hyperkalemia and should monitor their potassium intake carefully.
Summary:
- Normal blood potassium level: 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L
- Hyperkalemia (too much potassium): >5.0-5.5 mmol/L, dangerous above 6.5 mmol/L
- Symptoms: muscle weakness, nausea, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, paralysis (severe)
- Potassium from food is generally safe for healthy people
- High risk: kidney disease, certain medications, elderly
- Daily potassium intake recommendations: men ~3,400 mg, women ~2,600 mg
- Supplements should be taken cautiously and under medical supervision
Excessive potassium intake primarily becomes a problem when kidney function is impaired or with overuse of supplements rather than from dietary potassium in healthy individuals.
