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Most people can get enough potassium from food sources, which by the way are easier for the body to assimilate. However, supplements may be necessary to prevent potassium depletion and hypokalemia due to underlying medical conditions. While potassium intake is critical to your health, it has a very fine balance. Too much can be detrimental, even fatal if taken in excess. When supplementing large amounts of potassium, close monitoring of serum potassium levels is required.

As you are selecting a potassium supplement, be sure to consult your physician or health care professional, as the various forms have advantages or disadvantages depending on your individual health needs.

Do not take potassium supplements if you have hyperkalemia or kidney disease or if you take ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, or the antibiotic trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra).

One of the most common side effects of potassium supplements is an upset stomach . To minimize stomach irritation take all potassium products with a full glass of water. Studies have shown liquid potassium (or powder dissolved in liquid ) to be absorbed more readily and to cause less stomach irritation than capsules.

The following information is a brief overview of each product and is not intended to be all inclusive.
Potassium Bicarbonate- The bicarbonate component is a buffering agent and has some metabolic benefits. However larger quantities of the supplement may be necessary due to a propensity of potassium bicarbonate being metabolized by the liver, limiting its bioavailability.
Do not use if you have high blood pressure or severe kidney problems.

Minor side effects

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach;
• a rash;
• slight tingling in the hands or feet; or
• anxiety.

The elemental potassium in this molecular compound is 39%. 250 mg will yield 99mg elemental potassium.

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Potassium Chloride

Is potassium combined with chloride. The chloride is a desirable component for some persons. May use as a salt substitute. Raises the blood potassium levels faster than potassium bicarbonate.
Minor side effects

• mild nausea or upset stomach
• mild or occasional diarrhea
• slight tingling in your hands or feet.

The elemental potassium in this molecular compound is 52% 190mg will yield 99mg elemental potassium.

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Potassium citrate

Increased bioavailability due to the citrate. Better absorption than some other forms so is useful in persons with malabsorption conditions such as Crohn’s disease. Some studies have shown it to reduce the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones and to treat renal tubular acidosis. For persons with kidney stones, this form would be preferred over the bicarbonate form.
Minor side effects

• mild nausea or upset stomach
• mild or occasional diarrhea

The elemental potassium in this molecular compound is 36% 275 mg will yield 99mg elemental potassium.

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Potassium gluconate

Soluble,easily absorbed. You should not use this supplement if you have kidney failure, a urinary tract infection, uncontrolled diabetes, a peptic ulcer in your stomach, Addison’s disease, severe burns or other tissue injury, if you are dehydrated, or if you take certain diuretics (water pills).
Side effects:

• mild nausea or stomach pain,
• mild or occasional diarrhea
• rash,
• mild or occasional diarrhea,
• or tingling in the extremities.

The elemental potassium in this molecular compound is 17% 582 mg will yield 99mg elemental potassium.

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Potassium L-aspartate

This form of potassium is bound to aspartic acid, thus enhancing certain physiological processes such as the Kreb’s cycle and is a popular sports nutritional supplement.
Minor side effects

• mild nausea or upset stomach
• mild or occasional diarrhea

The elemental potassium in this molecular compound is 23%. 430 mg will yield 99mg elemental potassium.

Potassium Iodide is used as an iodine source.. not as a potassium supplement. References:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/potassium-chloride/side-effects
http://www.health4youonline.com/health_supplements_biocare_b301-90.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/268252-types-of-potassium-supplements/#ixzz1OEjXs4T7
http://www.livestrong.com/article/268252-types-of-potassium-supplements/#ixzz1OEkHJKwL
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/potassium/

“Williams Textbook of Endocrinology” notes that in malabsorption conditions, such as Crohn’s, liquid-form potassium citrate is applied because it is better absorbed.

	Solubility/ Bioavailability/ Absorption	Do not use if you..	Minor side effects	How much to take to get 99mg elemental potassium (be sure to consider the bioavailability too)
Potassium Bicarbonate	metabolized by the liver, limiting its bioavailability.	have high blood pressure or severe kidney problems	nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach; a rash; slight tingling in the hands or feet; or anxiety.	250 mg
Potassium Chloride	Raises the blood potassium levels faster than potassium bicarbonate.		mild nausea or upset stomach mild or occasional diarrhea slight tingling in your hands or feet.	190 mg
Potassium citrate	increased bioavailability Better absorption than some other forms of potassium		mild nausea or upset stomach mild or occasional diarrhea	275 mg
Potassium gluconate	soluble,easily absorbed.	Have kidney failure, urinary tract infection, uncontrolled diabetes, peptic ulcer, Addison’s disease, severe tissue injury, dehydration, are taking certain diuretics (water pills).	mild or occasional diarrhea rash, mild or occasional diarrhea , or tingling in the extremities.	580 mg
Potassium L-aspartate	( enhances certain physiological processes)		mild nausea or upset stomach mild or occasional diarrhea	430 mg
Potassium Iodide	is used as an iodine source.. not as a potassium supplement.