Potassium is an important micronutrient for health, but it is only effective when used correctly - Illustration.
Who needs to be cautious with foods high in potassium?
According to Dr. Ngo Quynh Trang of Bach Mai Hospital, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults should supplement at least 3,510mg of potassium per day. Maintaining appropriate potassium levels helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
However, experts warn that this does not mean everyone should increase their potassium intake freely, especially those with underlying health conditions.
Not all cases require increased potassium intake in the diet. Certain groups at risk of hyperkalemia need to carefully control their potassium intake, including people with chronic kidney disease; those taking medications that reduce potassium excretion; and those with severe illness or metabolic disorders.
According to experts, when potassium levels in the blood are high, patients may experience dangerous heart rhythm disorders, which can even be life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly.
Therefore, dietary adjustments for this group of patients require monitoring and consultation from healthcare professionals, avoiding self-imposed dietary restrictions or excessive supplementation.
According to Doctor Trang, potassium is present in most foods, especially common in green vegetables, fruits, legumes, and seafood.
According to nutritional classifications, foods containing 200mg of potassium per 100g or more are considered rich in potassium.
Some common potassium-rich foods include taro, sweet potatoes, potatoes; soybeans, mung beans, cashews, peanuts; spinach, jute leaves, amaranth, lotus root; bananas, avocados, jackfruit, papaya, durian; mackerel, tuna, herring.
Meanwhile, foods like squash, zucchini, cucumber, apples, pears, oranges, grapefruit, etc., have lower potassium content.
Hidden sources of potassium in processed foods.
According to nutritionists, many people often only pay attention to potassium from vegetables and fruits, forgetting that processed foods can also contain very high amounts of potassium.
Many industrial products now use potassium-containing compounds such as potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, or potassium citrate to replace sodium salts, enhance flavor, or preserve food.
It is noteworthy that potassium from food additives is absorbed more quickly than naturally occurring potassium, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia in individuals with underlying medical conditions.
Foods such as instant noodles, sausages, canned goods, processed foods, or "low-sodium" salts can all be hidden sources of potassium that consumers may not be aware of.
For people with kidney disease or at risk of potassium imbalance, limiting processed foods and prioritizing fresh foods is a very important principle.
"Healthy individuals should maintain a varied and balanced diet, increasing their intake of green vegetables and fresh fruits. Conversely, those with kidney disease or at risk of potassium imbalance need to consult a doctor about appropriate nutrition to avoid both potassium deficiency and excess," Dr. Trang emphasized.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ai-can-than-trong-voi-thuc-pham-giau-kali-2026051709271676.htm
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