Are Brussels Sprouts High in Potassium or Phosphorus?

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

One half cup of cooked Brussels sprouts contains 314mg of potassium, making them a high-potassium vegetable. This often sparks confusion for individuals monitoring specific mineral intake, as the perception of their nutrient density can be unclear.

Quick Summary

Brussels sprouts are notably high in potassium but contain a relatively low amount of phosphorus. They are also packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. This nutritional profile makes them a beneficial addition to most diets, with specific considerations for those with kidney health issues. Their nutrients support heart health, bone density, and general well-being.

Key Points

High in Potassium: Brussels sprouts contain a significant amount of potassium, beneficial for blood pressure and heart function.
Low in Phosphorus: They are relatively low in phosphorus, and the plant-based form is poorly absorbed by the body.
Supports Heart Health: The potassium and fiber in Brussels sprouts contribute to lower blood pressure and reduced cholesterol levels.
Kidney Diet Considerations: Due to high potassium, those with kidney disease should consult a dietitian for appropriate serving sizes.
Rich in Other Nutrients: Beyond potassium and phosphorus, they are excellent sources of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber.

Brussels Sprouts: A Nutritional Overview

Brussels sprouts are a small but mighty member of the cruciferous vegetable family, sharing a lineage with cabbage, broccoli, and kale. Their nutritional profile is robust, offering a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Among the most prominent minerals are potassium and phosphorus, which play distinct and crucial roles in maintaining bodily functions. Understanding their concentration in Brussels sprouts is key for tailoring diets to specific health needs, especially for individuals with conditions like chronic kidney disease.

Are Brussels sprouts high in potassium?

Yes, Brussels sprouts are considered high in potassium. The potassium content can vary based on preparation, but generally, they are a significant source of this essential mineral. Potassium is a critical electrolyte that helps regulate nerve signals, fluid balance, and muscle contractions, including those of the heart. Its role in counterbalancing sodium is vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure, thereby supporting overall cardiovascular health. While the potassium content is beneficial for most people, it may require careful monitoring for individuals with kidney disease, as compromised kidney function can lead to potassium buildup.

Key Roles of Potassium in the Body:

Blood Pressure Regulation: Helps to lower blood pressure by offsetting the effects of sodium.
Nerve Function: Essential for proper nerve signal transmission.
Fluid Balance: Works with sodium to maintain the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.
Muscle Contractions: Aids in regular and effective muscle contractions, including the heartbeat.

The phosphorus profile of Brussels sprouts

In contrast to their high potassium content, Brussels sprouts contain a relatively low amount of phosphorus. Phosphorus is the body's second most abundant mineral and is crucial for building strong bones and teeth, repairing cells, and energy production. However, the phosphorus in plant-based foods like Brussels sprouts is in a less bioavailable form than the phosphorus found in animal products or food additives, meaning the body absorbs less of it. For this reason, Brussels sprouts are often recommended as a low-phosphorus vegetable option for those needing to limit their intake.

The Body's Use of Phosphorus:

Bone and Teeth Health: Combines with calcium to form strong skeletal structures.
Cell Repair: Required for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues.
Energy Production: Plays a vital role in creating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's energy currency.

Brussels Sprouts vs. Other Common Foods

To put the mineral content of Brussels sprouts into perspective, here is a comparison with other common food items. The values presented below are approximate per 100g serving for a clearer comparison across different food groups.


Food (per 100g)	Potassium (mg)	Phosphorus (mg)
Brussels Sprouts (Raw)	389	69
Banana	358	22
Potato (Baked with skin)	535	66
Broccoli (Raw)	316	66
Lentils (Cooked)	369	180

This comparison table illustrates that Brussels sprouts are indeed a solid source of potassium, comparable to or even exceeding popular high-potassium foods like bananas. At the same time, their phosphorus content is modest, especially when compared to protein-rich foods like lentils, and is in a less absorbable form.

Health implications for specific diets

For those on a restrictive diet due to kidney disease, the high potassium content of Brussels sprouts is a key consideration. While they are low in the more problematic, highly-absorbable phosphate additives, the potassium level means serving sizes should be managed, and preparation methods like leaching might be beneficial. Always consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized advice regarding mineral intake. For the general population, the robust nutrient profile of Brussels sprouts provides numerous benefits, including a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins K and C, and antioxidants.

Conclusion

In summary, Brussels sprouts are notably high in potassium while being relatively low in phosphorus. This nutritional distinction is important for individuals managing specific dietary requirements, particularly for kidney health. For the majority of people, the mineral and vitamin content of Brussels sprouts, along with their high fiber and antioxidant levels, makes them an incredibly healthy and beneficial addition to any balanced diet. They support essential bodily functions, from regulating blood pressure and heart rhythm to contributing to strong bones and cellular repair. Incorporating this nutrient-dense vegetable into meals is a delicious way to boost overall health. For further information on managing kidney-friendly diets, reputable sources such as the National Kidney Foundation offer extensive resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brussels sprouts are high in potassium and relatively low in phosphorus. A half-cup serving contains a notable amount of potassium while the phosphorus content is low and not easily absorbed by the body.

For people with kidney disease, Brussels sprouts' high potassium content is a key factor to consider. Serving sizes should be monitored and approved by a healthcare provider or dietitian to prevent high potassium levels.

The potassium in Brussels sprouts supports essential functions like regulating blood pressure by balancing sodium, aiding nerve signal transmission, and facilitating muscle contractions, including a regular heartbeat.

The phosphorus present in Brussels sprouts, while low, contributes to bone and tooth formation, cellular repair, and energy production. However, it's less bioavailable compared to animal-based or additive phosphorus.

Cooking methods can affect nutrient levels. Leaching, which involves boiling vegetables in water, can help reduce some of the potassium content, which might be useful for those on potassium-restricted diets.

Brussels sprouts have a high potassium content, comparable to or higher than many fruits and vegetables. For example, a 100g serving of raw Brussels sprouts contains more potassium than a 100g serving of a banana.

Brussels sprouts are rich in numerous other nutrients, including high amounts of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, folate, dietary fiber, and various antioxidants that support overall health.