Randomized cross-over trial of electrolyte, acid-base and blood pressure effects of salt supplements in chronic kidney disease

In individuals with normal kidney function, increasing potassium intake reduces blood pressure irrespective of the accompanying anion and with minimal effects on electrolyte and acid-base parameters.1-3 However, the effects of potassium and its accompanying anion in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are unclear and raise concerns regarding hyperkalemia. Our previous analysis showed that 40 mmol/day of potassium chloride supplementation increased plasma potassium by 0.4 mmol/L and caused mild metabolic acidosis, which could counteract the beneficial effects of potassium.