Potassium restriction
Disease Information
In-Depth
The best way to prevent renal failure is to limit the amount of potassium your child ingests by regulating your child's diet.
What foods are high in potassium?
Most fruits, juices and vegetables are high in potassium, especially when eaten raw. But the following foods are particularly high in potassium:
- bananas
- prunes
- oranges
- potatoes
- orange juice
- sweet potatoes
- grapefruit juice
- tomato sauce
- cantaloupes
How much potassium can my child safely consume?
Our physicians and dietitians will let you know how much potassium your child can have each day. Use the following list as a guide in your child's food choices:
| Low (0 to 100 mg) | Medium (101 to 200 mg) | High (more than 201 mg) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruits |
applesauce blueberries cranberries cranberry juice grape juice lemon papaya nectar peach nectar canned pears pear nectar |
apples apple juice apricot nectar blackberries cherries canned figs fruit cocktail grapes grapefruit lemon juice mango papaya peaches pineapple plums raisins (2 Tbsp.) raspberries rhubarb strawberries tangerines watermelon |
apricots avocado bananas cantaloupe dates dried figs grapefruit juice honeydew melon kiwi nectarines oranges orange juice fresh pears prunes prune juice |
| Vegetables |
alfalfa sprouts bamboo shoots green or wax beans bean sprouts raw cabbage cucumber lettuce peppers water chestnuts watercress |
artichoke broccoli cooked cabbage carrots cauliflower celery greens (collard, mustard) corn eggplant mushrooms onions green peas radishes |
asparagus beets (and greens) baked beans dried beans and peas Brussels sprouts butter beans okra potatoes hash browns French fries and chips sweet potatoes pumpkin tomatoes |
| Misc. |
100 percent bran cereals molasses and chocolate salt substitutes (NoSalt®) lite salt (SaltSense®) buttermilk nuts |
Is it possible to reduce the potassium content of any of these foods?
Some potassium can be removed from potatoes and other vegetables by following the instructions below:
- Peel and dice the vegetables.
- Soak the vegetable in hot water for two hours, or in cold water overnight.
- Drain, rinse and drain the vegetable.
- Cover the vegetable with fresh water, boil for five minutes and simmer until done.
- Drain and serve (boiled, fried or mashed) or freeze for later.
