Potassium 24 Hour

Potassium is essential for muscle function, heart rhythm, nerve signaling, and acid base balance. Unlike sodium, potassium intake is closely tied to consumption of fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods. A 24 hour urine potassium test reflects daily potassium intake and renal excretion, offering insight into dietary patterns and metabolic health.

Low urinary potassium often indicates inadequate intake of potassium rich foods and is associated with higher kidney stone risk, higher blood pressure, and poorer metabolic health. Higher urinary potassium generally reflects a diet rich in plant foods and is protective against kidney stones by increasing urinary citrate, a compound that inhibits stone formation. Blood potassium is tightly regulated and may appear normal even when intake is low, making the 24 hour urine test a more sensitive marker of long term potassium status.