Potassium supplementation (clinical)

Tier 1 — strong evidence · Blood pressure · Cardiovascular · Electrolyte

Potassium is essential for blood pressure regulation, cardiac conduction, and fluid balance. The Filippini 2017 meta-analysis of 32 RCTs (PMID 28024910) confirmed that supplementation in hypertensive adults reduced systolic blood pressure by 4.48 mmHg (95% CI 3.07–5.90) and diastolic BP by 2.96 mmHg — with greater effects in those with high sodium intake or no antihypertensive drug use. A 2025 dose-response meta-analysis of RCTs (2000–2024) further characterised the U-shaped relationship between potassium excretion and blood pressure reduction. Most adults consume less than the…

Dose: Dietary target: 3,500–4,700 mg/day from food and supplements. OTC supplements in the US are capped at 99 mg per dose; higher clinical doses require medical supervision. Dietary sources (potatoes, legumes, bananas, leafy greens, dairy) are preferred and safer than supplements.