How does Vit D help with low potassium?

[DeniseR]

Hi all

With all the informed people here I was hoping someone might be able to answer a question I have?

I only take what seems like low levels of Vit D3 800IU or 20mcg. I've been taking this since last summer and have had no further Vit D, calcium or any other tests. My vit D blood test was just in range but my endo said he was prescribing vit D because my potassium was low.

To be honest, it hasn't made me feel any different and I'm not exactly sure what difference it's supposed to make or why I'm taking it. Can anyone tell me?

Thanks D

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

I am not sure it does. I used this link:

vitamindcouncil.org/

and typed 'potassium' into the search box. Six links appeared - none of which seemed to say much at all except things like hypertension might need some increased potassium intake (e.g. bananas are mentioned as is potassium bicarbonate), and

Of interest, they found three things in your diet that protect against kidney stones: high potassium (46% lower relative risk), high magnesium (29% lower relative risk), and high fluid intake (29% lower relative risk).

vitamindcouncil.org/news-ar...

Rod

[DeniseR in reply to helvella]

Mmmm, I'll have a look. Thanks.

It doesn't make sense to take it for low potassium then does it???? Docs confusing as always lol

[Moggie]

Hi Den,

Been trawling through the internet on a research mission and came across this.

livestrong.com/article/2309...

Looks like low magnesium and low potassium can BOTH cause heart palps.

Moggie x

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Moggie]

And if you look here:

aafp.org/afp/2011/0701/p63....

You will see two lists of things that can cause palpitations - cardiac causes, and other causes. The 'other' list is:

Alcohol

Anemia

Anxiety

Beta-blocker withdrawal

Caffeine

Cocaine

Exercise

Fever

Food poisoning Hypoglycemia

Hypovolemia

Mastocytosis

Medications

Nicotine

Paget disease

Pheochromocytoma

Pregnancy

Stress

Thyroid disorders

I note the use of the phrase "thyroid disorders" - quite correctly not assuming which direction! But also a lack of the words magnesium and potassium. As the document is concerned with out-patients, maybe they consider potassium as more likely an issue for in-patients?

Rod

[DeniseR]

Hi Moggie, thanks.

So they can, this is interesting. I don't actually think my potassium has been tested since either. As far as the causes of low potassium, as far as I'm aware I have none of those lol Still doesn't say how Vit D can help with low potassium though, curious.

D x x x

[Jackie]

Hii Den, The relationship between the main electrolytes ( excluding calcium) , magnesium and sodium have a very strong influence on Potassium. It is certainly worth checking to make sure your sodium is in range ( kidney function, U` s and E`s ).

Jackie

[DeniseR]

Hi Jackie

Thanks! Actually, that's reminded me that my sodium is always low or at least has been in the last few blood tests, just under range. The gp and endo however said it's nothing to worry about(don't they always). I'll get this checked again I think.

D

[jenrio]

i am in the same position. last month i had my bloods done and my TSH is 2.49 which according to the GP is fine. But my potassium is 3.2. At that time it did not seem significant to me but as i carry on with my reading and research it now is making some sense. there has been a paper published about low potassium causing paralysis in hypothyroid. please try google as i do not have the link with me. Some doctor think it is unusual but it happens, Apparently it is more on hyperthyroid but cases has been seen in INDIA.