Rethinking Electrolyte Management: Challenging Outdated Practices on Potassium and Phosphorus Intake​

Recent research in chronic kidney disease (CKD) challenges long-standing practices regarding electrolyte restrictions, particularly potassium. Studies indicate that potassium-rich foods like bananas and beans have little impact on serum potassium levels, while highly processed foods with added potassium pose a greater risk. Additionally, the traditional guideline of "for every 10 mEq of potassium given, levels increase by 0.1" has been called into question. Similar data regarding the absorption of phosphorus demonstrates that our typical "high phosphorus" foods show much less absorption than the absorption of phosphate additives demonstrating the need to understand true bioavailability of these important electrolytes from organic vs. nonorganic sources for proper patient identification. This evidence-based review highlights the need to reconsider outdated practices and adapt to new insights for more effective patient care for all electrolyte management.  

Moderator: Branden D. Nemecek, Pharm.D., FCCP, BCPS Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Duquesne University School of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Internal Medicine and Nephrology at UPMC Mercy Hospital. Residency Program Director, PGY2 Internal Medicine Program, UPMC Mercy Hospital   View Biography

Supplementing Electrolytes: Myths vs. Merit? 10:30 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Speaker: Roland N. Dickerson, Pharm.D., B.S.Pharm, FCCP, FASHP, FCCM, FASPEN, BCNSP Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Memphis, Tennessee   View Biography

Dietary Intake of Electrolytes: Updating Old Practices with New Data 11:10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Speaker: Lauren M. Hynicka, Pharm.D., FCCP, BCPS, RYT-200 Associate Professor of Pharmacotherapy, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland

Q&A Panel 11:50 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.