Can Potassium cause constipation??

roderick · Silver Member Joined: 01 Jan 2002 Posts: 251

Hi all!! One friend of mine has recently decided to take large doses of potassium. I really do not know what made her do that but, honestly, maybe I don’t really want to know the reason. Anyway, soon afterwards, she started feeling bad and now she has a terrible case of constipation. Is it possible that potassium was the cause?? What are the side effects of too much potassium? Thank you.

verene · Silver Member Joined: 13 Aug 2000 Posts: 287

First of all I will assume that your friend takes it due to kidneys problems as they regulate potassium levels in her blood. Now, it is important for me to know why she has those problems – I really don't know why she would be taking it unless she has been vomiting, had diarrhea or excessively sweating. Is it possible that she has an eating disorder?? I’m asking all this because potassium doesn't cause constipation and I believe that something else is cause. Constipation can be caused by a low fiber diet, inadequate water intake or similar…. Also, make sure to inform your friend that if the potassium were injected into her blood, it could cause her heart to suddenly stop (cardiac arrest) so she should be very careful using it.

Can Potassium cause constipation??

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