What is potassium?

Potassium is an important mineral and one of your body's most abundant electrolytes. In your cells, potassium works with other electrolytes like chloride and sodium to help regulate important bodily functions. Potassium ions carry a positive charge, and your body uses these charges to manage multiple processes, such as muscle contractions, nerve signals, and more.

Is vitamin K the same as potassium?

Although K is the symbol for potassium on the periodic table of elements, potassium and vitamin K aren't the same. Both are important micronutrients, but potassium is a mineral, not a vitamin.

Health benefits of potassium

When your potassium levels are low, a number of your body’s vital organs and systems can be affected. For this reason, getting enough potassium through diet or supplements is important in maintaining overall health.

People often take potassium supplements to support a variety of critical functions:

• Heart health

  To say potassium plays an important role in maintaining proper heart rhythm is an understatement. It literally helps trigger your heart to pump blood throughout your body!

• Improved muscle strength

  Potassium supplements may support muscle functioning and strength. When your body is low in potassium or you lose electrolytes through perspiration, common side effects can include muscle aches and cramps. This is why you’ll sometimes see athletes eating a banana during a break in competition.

• Healthy blood pressure levels

  The average American diet is high in salt and low in potassium. Potassium supplements may encourage healthy blood pressure levels by combating the negative effects of salt.

• Healthy bones

  There may be a direct relationship between your body's potassium levels and your bone health. Potassium can help to neutralize metabolic acids that can eat away at bones.

Should you take a multivitamin with potassium?

Foods that are high in potassium include avocados, bananas, salmon, spinach, sweet potatoes, pomegranates, and coconut water. While incorporating potassium-rich foods into your daily diet is important, it can also be a good idea to maintain or support your potassium levels with a supplement. People who perspire a lot – from intense exercise, for example – can especially benefit from taking a potassium supplement to replace this critical electrolyte lost to sweating. If you take a daily multivitamin, make sure you’re covered by choosing a quality multivitamin with potassium.

Potassium supplement options

Finding the best type of potassium supplement will largely depend on your preferences. We carry potassium supplements in capsule, tablet, and liquid forms. Capsules contain potassium powder in an easy-to-swallow form, while potassium supplements in liquid form can be easily added to juice or food. You’ll also find iodine supplements that provide the body with potassium iodide, which is useful for supporting normal thyroid production and metabolism.

Buy the best potassium supplements at The Vitamin Shoppe

At The Vitamin Shoppe, we are always committed to offering you the best selection of high-quality supplements to support your health goals. Find the best potassium supplements from top brands at great prices. You can filter by customer rating, product form, or even special dietary restrictions to find the perfect option for you.