Exploring the Relationship Between Potassium Supplements and B12 Depletion Concerns
In this discussion, we examine claims from the B12 Wake Up group about potassium supplements potentially depleting vitamin B12. The assistant clarifies that no scientific evidence supports this and highlights common causes of B12 deficiency, urging consultation with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Potassium Powders/Pills deplete B12
The B12 Wake Up group on Facebook states in their guide to avoid potassium supplements, powders and pills. And to get potassium from food and beverages only. Can anyone shed some light on this?
There is no established scientific evidence indicating that potassium supplements directly deplete vitamin B12 levels. The concern about potassium depleting vitamin B12 might stem from a broader caution against excessive supplementation or potential interactions, but such interactions are not typically documented in reputable scientific literature12.
It's worth noting that vitamin B12 deficiency is more commonly associated with factors such as poor dietary intake, malabsorption issues, and the use of certain medications like proton pump inhibitors or metformin, rather than interactions with potassium1.
As with any supplement, it is generally recommended to obtain essential nutrients from a balanced diet, unless specific supplementation is advised by a healthcare professional. If there is concern about interactions or nutrient levels, consulting with a healthcare provider can help ensure appropriate nutritional strategies.
Footnotes
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Linnebank M, Moskau S, Semmler A, et al. "Antiepileptic drugs interact with folate and vitamin B12 serum levels," NCBI, 2011. ↩ ↩2
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Valuck RJ, Ruscin JM. "A case-control study on adverse effects: H2 blocker or proton pump inhibitor use and risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults," NCBI, 2004. ↩
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