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From: werner@aecom.UUCP (Craig Werner)
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Re: question about potassium supplements
Message-ID: <2290@aecom.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 1-Mar-86 16:55:54 EST
Article-I.D.: aecom.2290
Posted: Sat Mar  1 16:55:54 1986
Date-Received: Sun, 2-Mar-86 19:42:16 EST
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Distribution: net
Organization: Albert Einstein Coll. of Med., NY
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	I don't know where people come up with these astronomically high
numbers for supplements, but concerning Potassium supplements, there is
something I've been wanting to post.
	Most supplements have been associated with irritation of the GI
wall, some more than others, so there has always been a tradeoff between
hypokalemia and potassium-induced intestinal hemorrhage.  For patients on 
anti-arrythmics, the balance is well towards Giving Potassium.
	However, the best Potassium supplements -- with the least number of
side effects are one of the following.
	1. 1-2 Bananas /day.
	2. 1-2 Glass of Fresh-squeezed orange juice /day.
	(or one of each, I suppose)
	This will provide more Potassium than even persons on Potassium wasting
diuretics can excrete, and is not associated with any intestinal bleeding.

-- 

				Craig Werner
				!philabs!aecom!werner
                  "...if that's the hand you use, well, nevermind..."