Potassium
US Daily Value for adults: 4,700 mg · unit on labels: mg
Labels declare potassium in milligrams. Clinical and some supplement sources use milliequivalents instead; 1 mEq is 39.1 mg potassium.
Reference intakes
| Value | United States | China | European Union |
|---|---|---|---|
| Label reference valueBasis of the % on labels, fixed by each regulation; not a recommended intake | 4,700 mgDV · Adults and children 4+1 | 2000 mgNRV2 | 2000 mgNRV3 |
| Recommended intake, adults | 3,400 mg (men 19+), 2,600 mg (women 19+)AI · Adults 19+6 | 2000 mgAI · Adults 18+7 | 3500 mg (90 mmol)AI4 |
| Upper intake level | No UL established; NASEM found the case reports insufficient to set oneUL · Adults 19+6 | Not listed | Not derived (ND)UL5 |
- FDA, 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv), Daily Values for adults and children 4 years and older
- GB 28050-2011 General rules for nutrition labelling of prepackaged foods, Appendix A nutrient reference values (NRV); value unchanged in GB 28050-2025, Appendix A (published 16 March 2025, in force 16 March 2027) (2025)
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex XIII Part A, nutrient reference values (consolidated text) (2011)
- EFSA NDA Panel, Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for potassium (2016)
- EFSA, Tolerable upper intake levels for vitamins and minerals (Scientific Committee on Food / NDA Panel) (2006)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Potassium fact sheet for health professionals (2022)
- Chinese Nutrition Society, Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs 2023) (2023)
Label values (DV, NRV) are the reference points behind the percentages on labels. Recommended intakes and upper levels are quoted from the bodies named; they vary by age, sex and life stage, and they are not advice.