This information explains what potassium is and how much your body needs every day. It lists foods that have potassium and how to get potassium in your diet.
What is potassium?
Potassium is a mineral your body needs to work properly. Potassium helps:
- Your body keep normal levels of fluid inside your cells.
- Your nerves function.
- Your muscles contract (tighten).
- Keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.
- Keep your heartbeat regular.
You can eat healthy food with potassium every day. The key to choosing foods with potassium is having the right balance for your needs. Too little potassium in the blood can cause severe muscle weakness and cramps. Too much potassium in the blood can cause irregular (not regular) heartbeats. This can harm your or even kill you.
Talk with a clinical registered dietitian-nutritionist (RDN) to make a daily plan that is right for you.
Reading nutrition labels
The nutrition facts label shows the amount of nutrients per serving (see Figure 1). Check serving sizes closely. For example, a serving of dried raisins is ¼ cup and serving of fresh grapes is ½ cup.
Figure 1. Nutrition label
- Serving size: One portion of a food.
- Servings per container: How many servings are in a container or package.
- % Daily Value (DV): The percentage of a nutrient in one serving of a food, based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet.
- Ingredients: What is used in a food. Ingredients are listed in order by weight from highest to lowest.
Potassium is used as a salt substitute. Products labeled “low salt,” or “low sodium” may have more potassium. Potassium levels may change if a food is fresh, cooked, or canned.
Low potassium food choices have less than 200 milligrams (mg) of potassium per serving. Eating a large amount of a low potassium food can make it a high potassium food.
High potassium food choices have more than 200 mg of potassium per serving. Eating a small amount of a high potassium food can make it a low potassium food.
Potassium in foods
Unless otherwise noted, a serving size of food in the table below is:
- ½ cup
- 1 small fruit
- 1 cup of leafy greens
| Food Group | Lower Potassium Choices | Higher Potassium Choices |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetables |
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| Fruits |
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| Grains |
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| Protein Foods |
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| Dairy and Alternatives |
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| Beverages |
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Talk with an MSK clinical dietitian-nutritionist (RDN)
If you have any questions or concerns about your diet while you’re in the hospital, ask to see a clinical dietitian-nutritionist. Call 212-639-7312 to talk to or schedule an appointment with a clinical dietitian-nutritionist.
We recommend meeting with a clinical dietitian-nutritionist if your healthcare provider tells you to limit your potassium.