Recommended daily intake of potassium
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Recommended Daily Potassium Intake: Global Guidelines and Health Outcomes
The recommended daily intake of potassium for adults is generally set at more than 3,500 mg (3.5 g) per day by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 12367. Some guidelines, such as those in German-speaking countries, have recently increased their recommendation to 4,000 mg per day, while the United States Dietary Guidelines recommend 4,700 mg per day for adults 245810.
Potassium Intake and Health Benefits
Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health
A potassium intake above 3,500 mg per day is linked to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of stroke, especially in people with high sodium intake or hypertension 3579. Studies show that increasing potassium intake can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals, with greater effects seen in those with high sodium diets 59. Higher potassium intake is also associated with a lower risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events, independent of blood pressure reduction 57.
Other Health Effects
Potassium is essential for normal cell function, fluid balance, and nerve and muscle activity. It also plays a role in glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion 23. Deficiency is rare in healthy people, but adequate intake is important for overall health .
Actual Potassium Intake: Global and Regional Trends
Despite the clear health benefits, most people worldwide do not meet the recommended daily intake of potassium. The global average intake is about 2,250 mg per day, well below the recommended 3,500 mg or more . Only about 14% of the global population achieves the guideline-recommended intake, with significant regional differences—Eastern and Western Europe have the highest intakes, while East Asia has the lowest . In the United States and Austria, less than 5–24% of adults meet the recommended intake, and similar trends are seen in Italy and other countries 268.
Special Considerations: Hypertension and Kidney Disease
For adults with hypertension, meeting both sodium and potassium recommendations is rare, with only about 6% achieving adequate potassium intake 48. Increasing potassium intake often comes with higher calorie and sodium intake, making dietary adjustments challenging . For people with reduced kidney function, potassium intake should be restricted to less than 3,000 mg per day to prevent hyperkalemia, and careful dietary management is needed .
Conclusion
The recommended daily intake of potassium for healthy adults is at least 3,500 mg, with some guidelines suggesting up to 4,700 mg per day. Most people do not meet these recommendations, which are associated with important health benefits such as lower blood pressure and reduced risk of stroke. Increasing potassium intake through potassium-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy is encouraged for the general population, while those with kidney disease should follow specific medical advice to limit potassium intake.
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