Serum potassium level is associated with metabolic syndrome: a population-based study
Kan Sun1, Tingwei Su1, Mian Li1
1Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Ministry of Health, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, E-Institute of Shanghai Universities, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|August 6, 2013
Summary
Low serum potassium levels are linked to a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals. This study highlights the importance of maintaining adequate potassium levels for metabolic health.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Low serum potassium concentration and dietary potassium intake are implicated in metabolic disorders.
- The relationship between serum potassium levels and metabolic syndrome requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between serum potassium levels and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 10,341 participants aged 40 years and older.
- Metabolic syndrome was defined using modified National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines.
Main Results:
- Metabolic syndrome prevalence was 51.7% in hypokalemia versus 37.7% in normokalemia.
- Lower serum potassium quartiles correlated with higher triglycerides, uric acid, larger waist circumference, and increased insulin resistance.
- Serum potassium levels decreased with an increasing number of metabolic syndrome components. The lowest quartile of serum potassium showed a 1.48 odds ratio for metabolic syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Low serum potassium is significantly associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly Chinese populations.
- Components of metabolic syndrome were linked to lower serum potassium levels, even after adjusting for age and sex.
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