Should You Take Magnesium and Potassium Together? (2025)

What to Consider When Choosing Supplements

Some people may need to take magnesium and potassium supplements to correct deficiencies or for other health reasons based on the following considerations:

• Need for supplements: You may need to consider supplements if you have a magnesium and/or potassium deficiency and cannot meet your needs through food. Be mindful that if you take a multivitamin, you may not need separate supplements. It is vital that you talk with a healthcare provider before using supplements to make sure they're the right option for you.
• Dosage forms: Magnesium and potassium supplements come in a variety of forms. Capsules, powders, tablets, gummies, and liquid extracts are available for both. People with severe deficiencies may require intravenous (IV) magnesium or potassium given in a healthcare setting.
• Combined supplementation: You may only need to supplement magnesium and potassium if deficient in both minerals. Sometimes, but not always, a magnesium deficiency may cause a potassium deficiency. A healthcare provider can check for deficiencies and tell you what supplements you may need.

Risks and Side Effects

There may be some risks to using magnesium and potassium supplements, such as the following:

• Allergies: You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction marked by shortness of breath, itchy skin, and swelling of the throat.
• Magnesium side effects: Some people may experience side effects when taking magnesium, although this is uncommon. Side effects may be more likely if your kidneys cannot clear excess magnesium. Side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping may occur if you take too much magnesium.
• Potassium side effects: Some people with abnormal kidney function may experience side effects when taking potassium. Possible side effects include upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, potassium may lead to confusion, muscle weakness, stomach pain, and fatigue.
• Precautions: Magnesium and potassium supplements may not be right for everyone. People with kidney disease may not be able to take potassium supplements because healthy kidneys are necessary to excrete excess potassium properly. If you have heart disease, talk with a healthcare provider to ensure magnesium and potassium supplements are safe.
• Interactions: Magnesium may interact with certain medications, like bisphosphonates, antibiotics, diuretics, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Potassium may also interact with diuretics (medicines that remove water from the body) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Best Food Sources of Magnesium and Potassium

Meeting nutrient needs through food is generally considered safe and preferred way over supplements, if possible.

Magnesium and potassium are easily found in plant and animal foods. Plant-based foods are especially high in magnesium, potassium, and other essential minerals, so be sure to include them often.

Magnesium-Rich Foods

Magnesium is naturally found in plant-based foods containing dietary fiber. A few animal-based foods also contain magnesium, and some foods are fortified with the mineral.

Good sources of magnesium include but are not limited to nuts, seeds, and leafy greens.

Potassium-Rich Foods

Like magnesium, potassium is widely found in plant-based foods. However, it may also be found in certain types of meat and dairy.

Potassium sources include but aren't limited to bananas, lentils, and potatoes.

Summary

Magnesium and potassium are two essential minerals found in foods and supplements. These minerals work together inside your body to perform certain functions. Magnesium and potassium deficiencies cause various symptoms and may lead to serious health issues if left untreated.

Eating mineral-rich foods or taking supplements may help correct magnesium and potassium deficiencies. Using dietary supplements may cause side effects, mainly if used improperly. Consult your healthcare provider before using supplements to help you determine the proper dosage and whether a supplement is necessary.