What You Need to Know About Potassium

potassium rich foods like spinach, almonds and pumpkin seeds

Potassium is an important mineral that your body needs to be healthy. Making sure you eat enough foods high in potassium is important for the health of your bones, kidneys, nerves and muscles. Read on to learn more about what foods have potassium and how much you need.

How much potassium do I need?

Most Canadians get enough potassium as long as they are making healthy choices based on Canada’s Food Guide.

The amount of potassium you need depends on your age and life stage. The table below shows you how much you need:

Age	Potassium Amount needed per day
1 to 3 years old	3000 mg
4 to 8 years old	3800 mg
9 to 13 years old	4500 mg
Over 14 years old	4700 mg
Pregnant women (all ages)	4700 mg
Breastfeeding women (14 to 50 years old)	5100 mg

Which foods have potassium?

Vegetables and fruit are some of the best sources of potassium. Grains, dairy products, lentils, meat and fish also have potassium. It is important to make sure you are eating a variety of foods to help you get the amount you need.

The table below will help you choose foods that have potassium:

Food	Serving Size	Potassium (mg)
Tomato paste	60 mL (¼ cup)	658
Potato, baked	1 (12cm x 6cm)	610
Pinto or kidney beans	175 mL (3/4 cup)	566 to 591
Lentils	175 mL (3/4 cup)	579
Avocado	½ whole	487
Squash, baked	125 mL (1/2 cup)	473
Banana	1 medium	422
Papaya	½ medium	392
Milk, 2%	250 mL (1 cup)	387
Chickpeas	175 mL (3/4 cup)	378
Yogurt	175 g (3/4 cup)	362
Fish	75 g (2 ½ oz)	313

Do I need a potassium supplement?

No. Healthy individuals do not need a potassium supplement unless a doctor recommends it. It is best to get the potassium you need from a variety of foods.

Should I use a salt substitute with potassium to increase my intake?

No. Potassium can come from sources other than food like some salt substitutes. However, it is best to get the potassium you need from natural sources whenever possible.

Will eating potassium rich foods prevent bone loss as you get older?

No. Eating a high-potassium diet is important for your health, but will not protect your bones from the bone loss related to aging. Read more about bone health here.

Meal and snack ideas

Take advantage of the seasons! Visit a farmer’s market for locally sourced fruit and vegetables.
Pack pre-cut and washed fruit and vegetables for school and work lunches. It makes getting your recommended servings easier!
Fill half of your dinner plate with vegetables. Cook vegetables with only a small amount of water. Try steaming, baking or microwaving. This limits the amount of potassium lost in cooking water. Learn about other ways to cook with wet heat.
Add vegetables to your favourite pasta dish. Oven-roasted zucchini, eggplant and asparagus make great, high-potassium additions.
Add tomato paste to your favourite sauce for added potassium and flavour.
Make your own granola or trail mix. Be sure to add dried fruits like apricots or raisins along with your favourite nuts and seeds. This makes a great topping to low fat yogurt as a satisfying morning snack.