I too am a RN....have been for over 25 years, over 5 of them as a CCU, ICU nurse.
I am sorry, but I don't agree with what you've said! I agree the dose over the counter is much lower than prescription....but I've also seen too many cases of people saying one is good, 2 is better, more will be even better!
I still say that people should see their doc if they think their potassium is too low!
I take potassium supplements...on the advice of a physician. I have a lot of digestive problems, and have frequent diarrhea, which can deplete potassium!
Quote:
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Hypokalemia can be caused by decreased intake of K but is usually caused by excessive losses of K in the urine or from the GI tract. Abnormal gastrointestinal K losses occur in chronic diarrhea and include that due to chronic laxative abuse or bowel diversion. Other causes of gastrointestinal K losses include clay pica, vomiting, and gastric suction. Rarely, villous adenoma of the colon can cause massive K loss from the GI tract. Gastrointestinal K losses may be compounded by concomitant renal K losses due to metabolic alkalosis and stimulation of aldosterone due to volume depletion.
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(Merck Manual. Setion 2, Chapter 12)
While it is true that excessive IV fluid intake can cause depletion of potassium, oral intake is not usually a problem, because your kidney regulate how much is excreted depending on what your total serum levels are.
Unless someone is taking a potassium depleting diuretic, has excessive vomiting or diarrhea, chances are their blood levels will be normal. If they question it, they should see their doc, not self-treat!
Cindy