NHS warns against taking a popular supplement - it could cause agonising stomach pains for millions of Brits READ MORE: Why experts think high doses of vitamins do more harm than good By MEIKE LEONARD Published: 08:50, 14 December 2024 | Updated: 08:52, 14 December 2024 e-mail View comments A health supplement commonly taken to ward off colds could cause agonising side effects for millions of Brits, the health service has warned. Potassium, an essential mineral found in dried fruits, bananas, beans and fish, helps to balance fluids in the body as well as maintain normal blood pressure. It's often taken as a supplement in the winter time, as it can help the body absorb fluids when ill with colds or flu .
But taking too much of the supplement can cause stomach pain, nausea and diarrhoea, says new NHS guidance — particularly for one subsection of the population. Older people, the guidelines warn, may be at higher risk of nasty side effects from potassium because their kidneys are less able to remove potassium from the blood, and therefore should taking a supplement. However adults of all ages should aim to consume around 3,500mg of potassium a day from dietary sources.
'You should be able to get all the potassium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet,' states the NHS website. 'If you take potassium supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful. Taking too much potassium can cause stomach pain, nausea and diarrhoea, says new NHS guidance - particularly for .
