Potassium Citrate Review & Information
Potassium citrate is one form of the mineral potassium, a positively charged ion that plays a role in fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
Potassium is also essential in controlling muscle activity, particularly contraction and coordination of muscles. It plays an important role in nerve transmission and maintaining heart rhythm as well. In addition, potassium helps to convert glucose into glycogen, which is stored as the body’s short-term energy reserve. Deficiencies of potassium can cause muscular problems and confusion.
Potassium is abundant in whole foods, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables. The recommended daily amount of potassium for adults is 4700 mg (see this link for more!)
For people who do not get enough potassium in their diets or those who have conditions that make potassium loss possible, a supplement, such as potassium citrate, may be useful. Though there are several other forms of supplemental potassium, potassium citrate is considered to be one of the most absorbable forms of the mineral.
Specifically, potassium citrate is often used to prevent kidney stones by making urine less acidic, which discourages their development. Potassium citrate is also used to treat gout and is sometimes combined with antibiotics to make them more effective.
Further, since diets that are low in potassium are associated with elevated blood pressure, potassium citrate may be useful in preventing or reducing hypertension as well as protecting against cardiovascular disease and stroke.
In addition, supplements of potassium citrate can be used to replenish the mineral under certain conditions that may cause depletion of potassium. These include prolonged use of certain medications, diabetic acidosis, and severe vomiting or diarrhea.
Use of potassium citrate should be monitored in people with conditions that may cause high blood levels of potassium. Such conditions include kidney disease, diabetes, adrenal insufficiency and serious infection.
Also, people with stomach ulcers, obstructed intestines or urinary tract infections should be carefully monitored when taking potassium citrate.
Pregnant women should be aware that supplements of potassium citrate are in FDA pregnancy category C, meaning that the safety of taking potassium citrate during pregnancy has not been determined.
Potassium citrate can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food can minimize the chances of stomach upset.
If potassium citrate is taken for kidney stones or electrolyte imbalance, drinking plenty of fluids may also help the condition.
Potassium citrate tablets should be taken as directed and swallowed whole. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or loose stools. Rarely, abdominal pain or black, bloody or tarry stools may result as well.
