Potassium Guide

Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that helps your body maintain normal fluid balance. Learn what it does, where it comes from, and what to consider when choosing a supplement.¹

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What does potassium do?

Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body.¹

What foods contain potassium?

Potassium is found in many foods, including potatoes, beans, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, and fish.²

Is potassium an electrolyte?

Yes. Electrolytes are minerals that help with functions such as fluid balance, and potassium is one of them.¹

Can you take too much potassium?

Yes. Supplemental potassium can be harmful in some situations, so it’s important to follow the product label and avoid combining multiple potassium products without guidance.

What is potassium?

Potassium is an essential mineral your body needs every day. It’s also an electrolyte, which simply means it’s a mineral that helps your body manage fluids and carry out normal functions.¹ 

You can get potassium from many everyday foods, and supplements can provide additional potassium when dietary intake is low.² 

How does potassium support the body?

Potassium helps your body maintain normal fluid balance, the right amount of water inside and outside your cells.¹ 

It also works alongside other electrolytes in the body. Because potassium plays an important role in normal body function, getting enough through food is an important part of everyday nutrition.¹,² 

Which health goals can potassium support?

Everyday Wellness

Potassium is an essential mineral that helps support normal fluid balance and overall health.¹

Muscle Health

Potassium is an electrolyte involved in normal body functions that help muscles work properly.

Electrolyte Support

Potassium helps provide the body with an important electrolyte and supports normal fluid balance.¹

How can potassium fit into your routine?

  • Most potassium should come from food, with supplements helping when extra intake is appropriate. 
  • Eat a varied diet: Potatoes, beans, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, and other foods can provide potassium.² 
  • If your diet is limited: A supplement may help when food intake doesn’t provide enough. 
  • Think about hydration: Potassium works alongside other electrolytes, so balance matters. 
  • Be careful after heavy fluid loss: Potassium shouldn’t be used on its own after vigorous exercise or acute dehydration unless other electrolytes are also appropriately replaced.³ 

    *It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

What should you look for in a potassium supplement?

Start with the amount you need, then choose a format that fits your routine.

  • Check the amount: Jamieson currently offers 50 mg, 100 mg, and 195 mg options. 
  • Check the form: Jamieson’s current formulas provide potassium as potassium gluconate. 
  • Consider release type: Some formulas use gradual- or timed-release delivery. 
  • Avoid doubling up: Don’t combine potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes unless directed.³ 
  • Review medications: Some medicines can affect potassium levels, so healthcare guidance may be important. 
  • Look for an NPN: Choose a licensed natural health product with an eight-digit NPN. 
  • Look for quality: Jamieson products are backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine.  

FAQs

What foods are high in potassium?

Potassium is found in many foods, including potatoes, beans, avocados, bananas, vegetables, dairy products, and other foods. Health Canada’s nutrient database shows that potassium intake can come from a wide range of everyday foods.²

How much potassium do adults need?

Health Canada’s Dietary Reference Intakes provide age- and sex-specific adequate intake values for potassium. Needs can vary based on individual health and lifestyle factors.³

What’s the difference between Jamieson’s potassium strengths?

Jamieson offers 50 mg, 100 mg, and 195 mg formulas. The 100 mg and 195 mg products use gradual- or timed-release delivery, while the 50 mg option provides a lower amount.

Sources

1. Health Canada. Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate. Updated June 26, 2026. https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq?atid=multi_vitmin_suppl 

2. Health Canada. Nutrient Value of Some Common Foods.[Text Wrapping Break]https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/nutrient-data/nutrient-value-some-common-foods-2008.html 

3. Health Canada. Dietary Reference Intakes Tables: Reference Values for Elements.[Text Wrapping Break]https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/dietary-reference-intakes/tables/reference-values-elements.html 

4. Health Canada. Natural Health Products Ingredients Database — Potassium.[Text Wrapping Break] https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/ingredReq?id=2806