Potassium Content in One Banana
One medium banana contains approximately 450 mg of potassium, which equals about 12 mEq (milliequivalents) of potassium. 1
Clinical Context and Significance
Potassium Content Details
- A medium-sized banana provides roughly 450 mg (12 mmol or 12 mEq) of potassium 1
- Bananas are classified as high-potassium foods, as they contain well over 200 mg per serving 2
- This makes bananas one of the most concentrated dietary sources of potassium among commonly consumed fruits 2
Relevance for Dietary Planning
For patients requiring potassium restriction:
- Bananas should be avoided or strictly limited in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 2-5, particularly those at risk for hyperkalemia 2
- A single banana can represent a significant portion of the recommended daily potassium restriction (typically 2,000-3,000 mg or 50-75 mmol/day for adults with hyperkalemia) 2
- Other high-potassium foods to restrict alongside bananas include oranges, potatoes, tomato products, legumes, lentils, yogurt, and chocolate 2
For patients requiring increased potassium intake:
- Four to five servings of fruits and vegetables daily typically provide 1,500 to >3,000 mg of potassium 2
- Dietary potassium from whole foods like bananas is preferred over supplementation for blood pressure management 2, 1
- The recommended adequate intake for adults is 4,700 mg/day (approximately 120 mEq/day) 2
Important Clinical Caveats
Contraindications for high-potassium foods:
- Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease should avoid excessive potassium intake from bananas and other high-potassium foods 1
- Those taking potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers are at increased risk for hyperkalemia and may need to limit banana consumption 2, 1
- Severe hyperkalemia (serum potassium ≥5.0 mEq/L) can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and requires urgent dietary restriction 2, 3
When to recommend bananas: