Impact of high-performance sport on serum potassium values in athletes: a systematic review

Background: Potassium is an alkali metal and the most abundant cation in the body, which can be measured in serum, plasma, whole blood, and urine without preservatives. The release of potassium from the muscles into the bloodstream during intense exercise is related to the intensity of physical activity. Therefore, changes in the serum levels of potassium measured in the blood of individuals who practice sports regularly can have consequences for the performance and health of athletes. Aims: The present systematic review aims to analyze studies that investigate the impact of training on serum potassium levels in athletes. Method: The PRISMA guidelines were followed and 12 articles were included using electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, and the search was carried out between April 21 and June 15, 2022. Primary research articles written in Portuguese, English, and Spanish have included the study population as athletes who did not take potassium supplements. Results: According to the results obtained, 7 of the 12 articles demonstrate an increase in potassium levels during exercise and a decrease after exercise. Thus, no definitive conclusion can be taken, and it is necessary to deepen this theme more individually to later make a better association between sports. Conclusion: Future studies should be conducted to understand the effect of changes in potassium levels in the heart muscle due to the spurious correlation between potassium and cardiac arrest.