Potassium and Rheumatoid Arthritis

[Harry Hirsute]

It may be worth checking out your potassium levels if you suffer from RA. Supplementing with large amounts of potassium probably isn't wise without proper testing and consultation with a health pro.

Summary: In a randomized, parallel group study involving 32 hypokalemic patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), supplementation with 6000 mg/d potassium chloride dissolved in grape juice for a period of 28 days was found to significantly reduce pain, assessed via a visual analog scale.

After receiving supplementation with potassium, 43.75% of subjects met the criteria of 33% lower pain intensity, as compared to only 6.25% after ingestion of the placebo. Furthermore, while 31.25% achieved a 'moderate response' after supplementation with potassium, only 6.25% achieved this response after placebo.

The authors state, "The elevated serum cortisol and potassium values in the treatment group correlate negatively with patient's assessment of pain intensity, reflecting an anti-pain effect for potassium supplementation." The results of this study suggest that in hypokalemic patients with active RA, supplementation with potassium may be a safe and effective way of alleviating pain.

https://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/37409