Research

Multiple studies show that supplementing potassium can support healthy blood pressure, bone health and more. Our PMAX formulation was designed to help you reach the levels of potassium intake that are associated with optimal health.

The clinical trials shown below illustrate the impact that potassium supplementation can have on human health. This trial summary is not comprehensive and other trials may show lesser or no effect of supplementation.

Studies Show That Few People Get Enough Potassium To Support Optimal Health

2,300 mg

Average American

In a study of 12,000 Americans, less than 2% got the amount of potassium recommended by experts. The average intake was only 2,300 mg per day

4,700 mg

Recommended daily intake

  • American College of Cardiology 5,000 mg daily
  • National Kidney Foundation 4,700 mg daily
  • Food & Drug Administration 4,700 mg daily

The intervention trials on this page use various doses of potassium supplements ranging up to 4,000 mg daily in some cases. PotassiMax products are meant to supplement the diet and achieve total daily intake of 4,700-5,000 mg daily.

Blood Pressure (mmHG)

Source: Feng, J. He. Effect of Short-Term Supplementation of Potassium Chloride and Potassium Citrate on Blood Pressure in Hypertensives. Hypertension 2005; 45 (4): 571-574

Trial #1 - Potassium supplementation can have a positive effect on blood pressure within one week

In a trial studying the effect of potassium on 11 patients with high blood pressure, just one week of potassium supplementation led to a reduction in blood pressure of 13 points.

* Participants were given a total of 3,700 mg potassium daily

Trials #2 & 3: Improvements in blood pressure are sustained for up to 4 months and more

Key Finding: Blood pressure reductions of up to 40 points are possible in just 16 weeks. Trial of 48 patients with hypertension given potassium supplementation for 16 weeks

* Trial participants received approximately 2,500 mg potassium daily

Source: Obel, Arthur Othieno. Placebo-Controlled Trial of Potassium Supplements in Black Patients with Mild Essential Hypertension. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology 14(2):p 294-296, August 1989.

Trial compared 19 patients with hypertension who received potassium 5,000 mg daily compared to 18 hypertensive patients given placebo.

Source: Siani et al. Controlled trial of long term oral potassium supplements in patients with mild hypertension. BMJ 1987; 294: 1453.

Trials #4 & #5: Two large meta-analyses show improvement in blood pressure with potassium supplementation

19 trials with over 580 participants showed an average 8 point reduction in BP, with a maximal lowering of 39 points

Source: Cappuccio, F. and MacGregor, G. Does potassium supplementation lower blood pressure? A meta-analysis of published trials. Journal of Hypertension 1991; 9: 465-473

23 trials with over 1,200 participants showed an average 9 point reduction in BP, with a maximal lowering of 13 points

Source: Poorolajal J, et al. Oral potassium supplementation for management of essential hypertension: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS ONE 12(4):e0174967

How does potassium compare to medications when it comes to blood pressure?

  1. Source: PLoS ONE 12(4):e017496
  2. Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD003822.
  3. Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD003823
  4. Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD003824
  5. Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2022, Issue 11. Art. No.: CD015250
  6. Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD003824.

Potassium supplementation does not lower already normal blood pressure

38 adults and children with normal blood pressure were given daily potassium supplements of up to 3,000 mg potassium for adults and 1,700 mg for children. After one month there was no change in their blood pressure with supplementation.

Source: Miller, J.Z., Weinberger, M.H. and Christian, J.C., 1987. Blood pressure response to potassium supplementation in normotensive adults and children. Hypertension, 10(4), pp.437-442.

Potassium lowers risk of heart disease by up to 54%

Source: Jehle S, Zanetti A, Muser J, Hulter HN, Krapf R. Partial neutralization of the acidogenic Western diet with potassium citrate increases bone mass in postmenopausal women with Osteopenia. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2006;17:3213–22.

Potassium supports bone health by improving bone density

Source: Ma Y, et al. 24-Hour Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion and Cardiovascular Risk. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jan 20;386(3):252-263

Potassium lowers risk of stroke by up to 40%

He FJ, MacGregor GA. Fortnightly review: Beneficial effects of potassium. BMJ. 2001;323:497–501.

Potassium significantly reduces your risk of dying from ANY cause

Yang et al. Sodium and Potassium intake and mortality among US adults. Arch Intern Med. 2011;171(13):1183-1191

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