Banana lovers with a penchant for the potassium-packed fruit have been cautioned by health experts over its potential risks when consumed in large quantities.
Revered for its myriad of health advantages, including an energy boost from carbohydrates and B vitamins and digestion aid through its fibre content, bananas also help regulate blood pressure thanks to their high levels of potassium.
However, overindulgence may be damaging for those suffering from kidney ailments.
Colleen Speed, an associate professor of medical dietetics at Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, warned: “People with late-stage kidney failure need to closely monitor potassium consumption.
“Foods high in potassium also can interfere with some medications for high blood pressure and heart failure. It certainly would take more than one banana to raise potassium levels to a dangerous level for the average person.”
Hyperkalaemia, a condition marked by excessive potassium in the bloodstream leading to critical heart complications, is a hazard posed by elevated potassium intake that burdens the body’s renal function, specifically impacting individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions.
Speed insists that anyone with medical inquiries or concerns should consult with their healthcare provider before adding bananas to their dietary regimen.
The American Heart Association recommends savouring bananas as part of a varied spectrum of fruits and veggies, rather than sticking to just one fruit.
Speaking about kidney health, Kidney Care UK suggests if you’re watching your potassium intake, bananas should be enjoyed just once or twice weekly.
They said: “However, if you have not been advised to reduce potassium-rich foods then you can enjoy bananas as part of a healthy balanced diet,” they advise. For those free from kidney woes, fret not over banana binging; the quantity needed for harm is astonishingly high.
Back in 2015, Dietitian Catherine Collins shared her insights with the BBC, saying: “It helps keep your heart rate steady, it helps trigger insulin release from the pancreas to help control blood sugars, and more importantly keeps blood pressure in check.
“You would probably need around 400 bananas a day to build up the kind of potassium levels that would cause your heart to stop beating… Bananas are not dangerous – and in fact, they are, and always have been, very good for you.”
With winter approaching earlier this year, Dr Ross Perry highlighted the risk of overindulging in vitamin D supplements to counteract the seasonal dip in sunshine-derived vitamins.
Speaking to the Express, he warned: “Taking too much vitamin D as a supplement over a long period of time can cause calcium to build up in the body which can weaken the bones, and damage the heart and kidneys.
“This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly and children aged 11-17. Children between 1-10 years shouldn’t exceed more than 50 micrograms with infants under 12 not exceeding more than 25.”
