Question

What are possible causes of decrease in the amount of potassium (K) in the body? What are possible causes of decrease in the amount of potassium (K) in the body? @Biology

Answer 1

Most causes of low potassium(hypoalkalemia) are from diarrhea, use of diuretics, or medication. Some ethic groups(african american women) are more genetically prone to low levels. A low dietary intake of potassium over time can lead to hypoalkalemia due to a small percentage of potassium in the body being removed through urination.

Answer 2

first, break down hypokalemia (low potassium) into major causes :
- decreased potassium intake
- increased entry into cells
- increased gastrointestinal losses
- increased urinary losses
- increased sweat losses
- dialysis
- plasmapheresis

then, think of disorders that match the cause. there are many.

some of the more common things causing hypokalemia would be vomiting, diarrhea, diuretic medications, and metabolic acidosis. these fall into the "increased gastrointestinal losses" and "increased urinary losses" sections