Hypokalemia

Neunistiva

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I too have constantly low potassium for years, even while supplementing with prescription potassium powder.

I am not on any medication that should be able to reduce potassium. On the contrary, I am taking beta-blockers which should increase potassium levels.

My magnesium serum and urine level are slightly elevated, so it's not that either.

I have IBS-D but only small amount of potassium is excreted through stool, most is excreted through urine.

I have no idea why I have hypokalemia.
 

Neunistiva

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Potassium blood level is controlled by the hormone aldosterone. High aldosterone can cause low potassium levels.

Fludrocortisone is a synthetic hormone which works like aldosterone.

High doses of B12 can also cause low potassium.
I had aldosterone/renin ratio test and it was normal. Normal CBC, normal levels of B12 and serum homocysteine.
 

Jyoti

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I had aldosterone/renin ratio test and it was normal. Normal CBC, normal levels of B12 and serum homocysteine.
Same here. My potassium levels fluctuate a lot but do dip down into hypokalemic territory from time to time, and I often have to supplement with Rx potassium. No one has ever been able to figure out why. It is scary to lose so much so quickly as your friend @cfsfaithhopelove. It feels awful too. I hope she can get some answers and/or at least find a way to retain a safe level of both potassium and magnesium.
 

Busson

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I too have constantly low potassium for years, even while supplementing with prescription potassium powder.

... ... ...

I have no idea why I have hypokalemia.
@Jyoti @Neunistiva When hypokalemia becomes severe it can cause profound muscle stiffness which results in pain on stretching muscles resulting in a mild form of paralysis. Many of those who suffer from this "Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis" can trace it back to a genetic defect although there are other possible causes too.
 
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Neunistiva

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When hypokalemia becomes severe it can cause profound muscle stiffness which results in pain on stretching muscles resulting in a mild form of paralysis. Many of those who suffer from this "Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis" can trace it back to a genetic defect although there are other possible causes too.
Yeah, severe hypokalemia has many symptoms, including death, but luckily I caught it before it became severe and with prescription supplements I'm only mildly hypokalemic.

At least, my plasma levels are low, who knows, my cells might have normal levels...

I never suffered from paralysis.