I know that you can get hyperkamllmia (sp?) from to much potassium. and I know that toddlers need 750-800mg of potassium a day. But how much is too much. My toddler is banana obsessed right now, and sometimes eat 3 a day (about 1800 mg of potassium in those alone) is he getting to much?
ETA: He is small. 23pds. Also he does get alot of fiber (he loves oatmeal!) in his diet as well so he has not had any constipation problems.
I had this issue with my second son. Called the nutritionist at my local Wic office and asked. Unless it's going on for an extensive period of time, you don't need to worry. 3 a day really isn't that much, and most likely this will pass and he will move on to a new food for a period of time.
As long as his kidneys are healthy, several bananas a day won't hurt him.
He'll be fine. Just be aware that it might affect his bowels.
You might consider giving him some dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt) and fiber (via grains) to offset the effects of the bananas.
Hi S.---I don't think I would worry so much about getting too much potassium as I would him not getting different nutrients that he'd get from eating a more balanced diet. Variety is one of the key ingredients to optimal health, and even though most every fruit and veggie has the same vitamins and minerals (in differing ratios), they all have different smaller phytonutrients, such as resveratrol, zeanxanthins, allicins, etc. Those smaller nutrients are basically the colors of the fruits and veggies. So many nutrition experts recommend that you put a rainbow on your plate, as many different colors as possible.
I have some great shopping charts that are broken down into food colors. I'd be happy to share. BTW...bananas actually do NOT constipate. I have a couple of food directories, books that tell what foods are good for what health conditions. My husband broke his hand and collarbone a while ago and of course had that problem because of pain meds. I went to my resources, and 2 of the best foods to help alleviate constipation were bananas and kiwi...it's a wonderful combination.
Good luck...I look forward to 'talking' to you. D.
3 a day is probably fine but it depends on the size fo the bananas and how big your son is. My husbands nephew was a major banana eater, breakfast lunch and dinner plus snack. He would eat about 5 a day at least. They noticed a difference in his coloring--a little off--and the doc tested him. He had to stay away from bananas and other sources for 3 weeks and then could only have 1 a day for a while. Try telling that to a 2-3 yr old. I think he also complained his tummy hurt but not sure about that.
Here's a take from a registered dietitian's perspective:
Have you asked your doctor? The body is usually really good at regulating electrolytes (like sodium and potassium); it is hard to get out of balance from just foods. Nutrient imbalances are more likely to occur from some sort of illness/condition or too many supplements.
Is she exhibiting symptoms of anything? I recommend checking with her pediatrician before thinking about "restricting" potassium. Especially if it would mean having to cut down on or discourage her from eating the healthy foods that contain potassium--basically fruits and vegetables.
Kids have eating jags all the time; this is normal. It very rarely causes health problems.
Good luck.
Hyperkalemia is the correct spelling. This age is normal for periods of focusing on one food object. My girls used to call bananas Monkey Suckers! How cute is that? Can you try buying very small bananas? My girls loved peanut butter and banana sandwiches. No grilling or toasting, they are made just like a PB&J. And you could help him use a small plastic butter knife. Kids will usually eat something easier if they help fix it. That way he would get protein and fat with his banana. Add a small glass of milk and you have a healthy meal for your child.
