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Potassium

Also known as: K
Formal name: Potassium
Related tests: Chloride, Sodium, CO2, Electrolyte panel, BMP, CMP, Aldosterone and Renin
Common Questions
  1. What are some good dietary sources of potassium?
2. Is there an over-the-counter test I can use to check my potassium levels?


1. What are some good dietary sources of potassium? Low levels of potassium can be a result of increased urinary loss due to certain heart medications that lower sodium levels and prevent water retention. To make up for this loss of potassium, doctors often suggest eating more foods high in potassium. A number of fruits and vegetables (bananas, cantaloupe, grapefruit, oranges, tomatoes, honeydew melons, potatoes) and meats are good sources of potassium.



2. Is there an over-the-counter test I can use to check my potassium levels? No. Electrolyte tests are performed by trained laboratorians using highly sensitive instruments.






This article was last reviewed on April 7, 2008.
 
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