Diet - potassium

The Food and Nutrition Center of the Institute of Medicine has established the following recommended dietary intakes for potassium:

Infants

• 0 - 6 months: 0.4 grams a day (g/day)
• 7 - 12 months: 0.7 g/day

Children and Adolescents

• 1 - 3 years: 3 g/day
• 4 - 8 years: 3.8 g/day
• 9 - 13 years: 4.5 g/day
• 14 - 18 years: 4.7 g/day

Adults

• Age 19 and older: 4.7 g/day

Women who are producing breast milk need slightly higher amounts (5.1 g/day). Ask your doctor what amount is best for you.

Persons who are being treated for hypokalemia need potassium supplements. Your health care provider will develop a supplementation plan based on your specific needs.

Review Date: 05/26/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc, and avid C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)