Are salt substitutes with potassium suitable for everyone?

Potassium salt substitutes are not for everyone. While they can be a good alternative for people looking to reduce their sodium intake, there are significant health risks for certain groups.

Potassium can help lower blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. Salt substitutes containing potassium contain less or no sodium and can help reduce salt intake. Healthy kidney function ensures that excess potassium is excreted in the urine.

Kidneys regulate potassium balance. In people with poor kidney function, potassium salt can lead to hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood), which can be dangerous. Too much potassium can cause heart rhythm problems.

Users of certain medications, such as beta blockers (e.g. bisoprolol, metoprolol), ACE inhibitors (e.g. enalapril, lisinopril), potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone) should also be careful. These medications increase the level of potassium in the blood, which can be dangerous when combined with potassium-rich salt substitutes.

Salt substitutes containing potassium can be healthy for some people, but dangerous for others. **Do you have kidney problems, heart problems or are you taking medication? Consult a doctor before using a potassium-rich salt substitute.**

Source: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/36263661

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2025-02-07 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025