Supplemental potassium when on keto like diet

Hello all - I have been following a modified keto diet for the better part of the last year. It's not as strict as "pure" keto, but is generally a 60% fat, 10% or less carbs, and whatever is left over for protein. I have been taking some electrolyte drinks (no sugar) to help offset the fact that we are taking in less potassium through vegetables and such. I saw a drink that looked good, which has 1000 mg. of potassium citrate. Is that safe to take? I've heard that you have to be careful not to take too much potassium, but since I'm on the low side through eating like this (my blood tests show I'm fine, but I do feel more palpitations at times) I thought this was a good idea.

Anyone know anything about this? ~ Barb



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/11/2025 11:26PM by tobherd.

Main issue is your kidney function. Check GFR. And creatinine blood tests which reflect kidney function. Ask your PHP for approval.

Quote
tobherd
60% fat, 10% or less fat, and whatever is left over for protein.

Should one of those have been carbohydrates?

Oops...yes, the 10% or less is for carbohydrates. My kidney function was fine until recently, when my ALT and AST were a bit higher, but that is likely due to my starting a statin drug within the past month or so....

My concern is whether the amount of potassium citrate is acceptable or not.

Quote
tobherd
My concern is whether the amount of potassium citrate is acceptable or not.

Hugging is correct about kidney function. I don't know whether it is right for you, but I've consumed 2 tsp/day of potassium citrate for years. This is about 4 grams (4000 mg) of potassium. I dissolve it in a liter of water and consume over the day. This is my version of timed release. Assuming good kidneys, a bolus (large quantity) of potassium will be quickly excreted by the kidneys, hence my "timed release."

Jeepers you have me wondering GeorgeN. I take 40-60MEQ of potassium all at once each day. (I was on 160MEQ at one point). I think I should spread that out or do what you do and get a blood test done vs. these pills. (I do get it tested regularly but now wondering blood level vs. when I take it and if that matters....)

I would spread it out, if possible. By the way, there is about 39 mg potassium in 1 mEq potassium

Quote
tobherd
My kidney function was fine until recently, when my ALT and AST were a bit higher, but that is likely due to my starting a statin drug within the past month or so....

FWIW, .... ALT and AST are measures of liver function, not kidney function.

After just a cursory review of a couple of slightly questionable sites on the subject, it sounds like adding a glass of low-sodium V8 juice or two a day might be a good idea when leaning keto.

Quote
GeorgeN
I would spread it out, if possible. By the way, there is about 39 mg potassium in 1 mEq potassium

I need to;Rx) 20 mEq VID. Each capsule is 770mg potassium.

I was once referred to a nutritionist who put me on a similar diet. Be careful with 10% carbs. I developed so many afib episodes that the ER doctor told me to increase my carbs. I counted onions, carrots as part of my carbs so I really didn’t consume much carbs.

Having so much fat in your diet, I recommend the Berkeley Heart labs. They check the size, detailed cholesterol testing and how sticky your particles are.
[ipo.lbl.gov]

Sample of lab results and wthat is tested:
[southdenver.com]


They can estimate your heart age as well

Quote
GeorgeN
I would spread it out, if possible. By the way, there is about 39 mg potassium in 1 mEq potassium

Thanks... I was wondering that but hadn't taken the time to google yet. so aprox 1600 mg a day is what I take. hmmm.. do you test your levels from time to time?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/11/2025 03:14PM by bettylou4488.

I've had several blood tests and lipid profiles done within the last 4 months or so. No problem with kidneys. My cholesterol is high, but it's been running that way for years. Recently found out my Lipo-proteinA is quite high too, but at this point, they have no way to treat it. Just pay attention to all of your other markers to get them in a good place.
Inflammation is very low. Blood sugar is good. But needing to take an electrolyte drink daily seems to be necessary when following a modified keto plan, like I have been doing. It sounds like the 1000mg of potassium is fine then, as long as no kidney issues. Do I have that right? ~ Barb

P.S. I haven't had Afib for over 11 years, thanks to 2 ablations by Dr. Natale, and later, a Watchman implant.

I’m happy for your afib success these past 11 years!

Thanks, Susan
It was on this site that I learned about Dr. Natale, and I'm so grateful for that. I ended up needing a LAA isolation
About 6 months later, I went into Flutter just as my Acupuncturist put a needle into my left shoulder area (vagal nerve, I assume). Ablation #2 with Dr Natale in June 2014. QUIET ever since.

I'm looking into following a modified keto diet. Seem from what I've initially learned is that very low calorie/carb veggies are fine on the diet and encouraged.