Can drinking milk cause high potassium?

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

A single cup of low-fat milk contains over 350 milligrams of potassium, a vital mineral that helps regulate heartbeats and nerve signals. While beneficial for most, this naturally high content leads many to question: can drinking milk cause high potassium, and under what circumstances should caution be exercised?

Quick Summary

Milk is a natural source of potassium, but in healthy individuals, the kidneys efficiently regulate blood levels. Excessive intake can become a concern primarily for people with kidney disease.

Key Points

For Healthy Individuals: The body's kidneys effectively regulate potassium levels, so drinking milk does not typically cause high potassium.
High-Risk Group: The risk of hyperkalemia from milk is primarily a concern for people with chronic kidney disease or compromised kidney function.
Milk's Potassium Content: Milk and other dairy products contain significant amounts of potassium, which is why moderation is key for at-risk individuals.
Watch for Symptoms: Symptoms of dangerously high potassium can include nausea, muscle weakness, and heart palpitations, which require immediate medical attention.
Consider Alternatives: If advised to limit potassium, low-potassium alternatives like coconut, almond, or rice milk can be suitable substitutes.
Read Labels: When choosing milk substitutes, always check the nutritional label for added potassium or phosphorus, which can also be a concern for kidney patients.
Consult a Professional: Always seek advice from a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized guidance on managing dietary potassium, especially with pre-existing conditions.

The Role of Potassium in the Body

Potassium is a crucial electrolyte that plays a key role in several bodily functions, including nerve signaling, muscle contractions (especially the heart), and regulating fluid balance. For most healthy people, the body maintains a tightly controlled balance of potassium. When you consume foods and drinks containing potassium, the kidneys efficiently filter any excess from the blood, which is then excreted in urine.

Problems arise when the kidneys are not functioning properly. In cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys lose their ability to remove excess potassium effectively, leading to a build-up in the bloodstream. This condition, known as hyperkalemia, can be dangerous and lead to serious heart problems if not managed.

Milk and Its Potassium Content

Milk and other dairy products are significant sources of dietary potassium. While a vital nutrient, it is this potassium content that becomes relevant for those with compromised kidney function. The amount of potassium can vary slightly between different types of milk and dairy products.

Potassium Levels in Common Dairy Products

Cow's Milk: A standard 8-ounce (about 240ml) glass of whole, 1%, or skim milk contains approximately 350-380 mg of potassium.
Yogurt: Plain yogurt, especially nonfat, often has a higher concentration of potassium than milk. One 6-ounce serving can contain over 300 mg of potassium, and some varieties may contain more.
Cottage Cheese: The potassium content in cottage cheese varies, but it is generally a moderate source.
Flavored Milks and Milkshakes: Often contain higher levels due to added ingredients like chocolate or fruit, which are also potassium-rich.

Who Needs to be Careful with Milk Consumption?

While a healthy person can consume milk and dairy without issue, certain individuals must monitor their intake carefully due to the risk of hyperkalemia. The primary concern is for those with compromised kidney function.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): For people with CKD, particularly in its advanced stages, limiting dietary potassium is crucial. Excessive milk and dairy intake could easily push potassium levels into a dangerous range.
Individuals on Dialysis: Patients undergoing dialysis often have very specific dietary restrictions, including tight control over fluid and potassium intake. Milk consumption is typically limited.
Certain Medications: Some blood pressure medications (like ACE inhibitors and ARBs) can increase potassium levels in the blood. For these individuals, especially if also having reduced kidney function, managing dietary potassium is important.

Low-Potassium Milk Alternatives

For those who need to reduce their potassium intake, several plant-based alternatives offer lower potassium options. When choosing, it is important to read labels carefully, as some brands add potassium or phosphorus to their products.

Common lower-potassium alternatives include:

Coconut Milk: Naturally low in potassium, making it a favorable substitute for many.
Rice Milk: Often lower in potassium and phosphorus compared to cow's milk.
Almond Milk: While almonds themselves contain potassium, commercially prepared almond milk is generally low in potassium, but checking the label is essential.

Comparison of Potassium in Dairy and Alternatives

To provide a clear perspective, here is a comparison of the potassium content in different milk options. Note: Values are approximate and can vary by brand and preparation.


Product	Serving Size	Approximate Potassium (mg)
Reduced-Fat Milk	1 cup (240ml)	366
Plain Yogurt	6 ounces (170g)	440
Soy Milk	1 cup (240ml)	287
Coconut Milk	1 cup (240ml)	160-200
Almond Milk	1 cup (240ml)	150-200

The Role of Healthy Kidneys

For the majority of the population with healthy kidney function, drinking milk is not a cause for concern regarding high potassium levels. The kidneys are highly efficient organs designed to maintain electrolyte balance. The risk of hyperkalemia from a regular diet, including dairy, is extremely low. This is why individuals without kidney issues are not typically advised to restrict their milk intake based on potassium content.

However, it is always wise to be mindful of overall dietary patterns. For instance, consuming milk alongside other very high-potassium foods like bananas, potatoes, and oranges in large quantities might be a greater concern for those at risk. The key is moderation and understanding one's individual health status.

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective on Milk and Potassium

Ultimately, the question of whether drinking milk causes high potassium depends heavily on an individual's health. For healthy people with normal kidney function, milk is a nutritious part of a balanced diet and does not pose a risk for hyperkalemia. The kidneys effectively excrete any excess potassium. However, for those with chronic kidney disease, or other conditions that impair kidney function, the potassium and phosphorus in dairy can accumulate and become dangerous.

If you have concerns about your kidney health or have been diagnosed with kidney disease, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. They can provide personalized advice on your dietary needs, including appropriate dairy intake or suitable low-potassium alternatives. Understanding your specific health situation is the most important step in managing your potassium levels and overall well-being. For more information on kidney health and diet, consider exploring resources from the National Kidney Foundation, a reputable authority on the subject.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy people, drinking milk will not cause high potassium levels because healthy kidneys are very efficient at filtering and removing excess potassium from the body.

The amount of potassium varies slightly by type, but a standard 8-ounce glass of milk (including whole, skim, or 1%) generally contains around 350-380 milligrams of potassium.

Many plant-based dairy alternatives, such as rice milk and coconut milk, are naturally lower in potassium than cow's milk. However, it is crucial to check the product label, as some manufacturers may add potassium.

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD), those on dialysis, or individuals taking certain medications that affect potassium levels are typically advised to limit their intake of milk and other high-potassium foods.

Symptoms of hyperkalemia can range from mild (nausea, fatigue, muscle weakness) to severe (chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath) and require immediate medical attention.

Yes, a process called leaching can reduce potassium in vegetables. This involves peeling, soaking, and boiling the vegetables in water and then discarding the water, which holds the leached potassium.

Yogurt, especially nonfat varieties, often contains a slightly higher concentration of potassium than an equivalent serving of milk. Portion control is important for both if you are on a low-potassium diet.

No, if you are a healthy individual with no history of kidney disease or other related conditions, your kidneys will manage your dietary potassium intake effectively, and you do not need to worry about milk causing high potassium.