Learn About Potassium Vitamins

Many people take vitamin supplementation for two reasons: (1) to avoid a vitamin deficiency, or (2) to treat one. Some people are forced to take supplements of Vitamin K or potassium, although potassium deficiency is rare.

Our body sources Vitamin K in two ways -- through diet, and through potassium production by bacteria in our intestines. As with other vitamins, not ingesting sufficient Vitamin K through one's diet could lead to deficiency.

Some foods may even block the effects of Vitamin K. For example, the salicylates present in mint, nuts, fruits and spices may adversely affect the effective functioning of Vitamin K. Aspirin, another common salicylate, thins our blood and prevents Vitamin K from working properly. Excessive aspirin may cause stomach bleeding due to the blocking of Vitamin K.

Antibiotic use may also result in bleeding following potassium deficiency. This happens because antibiotics damage intestinal bacteria that are required to manufacture Vitamin K. Potassium vitamin supplementation is the best way to replace those bacteria and restart Vitamin K production in the body.

One should follow some guidelines when taking potassium vitamins:

Potassium vitamins should not be taken without a doctor's direction if kidney failure or disease is suspected, or if medication is being taken for blood pressure or coronary disease.
Potassium vitamins should not be taken alongside diuretics.
If you are taking anti-inflammatories, discuss with your doctor before taking potassium supplements.

Most people never require potassium vitamins unless they are on diuretic medication. Potassium vitamins are usually not needed because we obtain sufficient amounts through our daily diet.

Also Read:

:: Potassium Vitamins
:: Pregnancy Vitamins
:: Prenatal Vitamins
:: Protein Vitamins
:: Skin Vitamins
:: Taking Vitamins

:: Vitamin B17
:: Vitamin B2
:: Vitamin B3
:: Vitamin B5
:: Vitamin B 6
:: Vitamin B6 Benefits

:: Vitamin A
:: Vitamin A Deficiency
:: Vitamin A Foods
:: Vitamin B
:: Vitamin B12
:: Vitamin B12 Deficiency