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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Mineral

Potassium Citrate

Alkalinizing K salt used for kidney stone prevention and bone health.

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Kidney HealthBone Health

Overview

Alkalinizing K salt used for kidney stone prevention and bone health.

Natural sources
  • Synthesized
Common forms
  • Potassium citrate

Mechanism of action

Raises urinary citrate (binds Ca, prevents stones) and provides alkaline buffer.

Pathways
  • · Urinary citrate ↑

Effects on the body

Decreases
Calcium oxalate stone formation

Organ system effects

Kidneys

Reduces recurrence of Ca oxalate stones.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces calcium oxalate stone recurrence

Strong evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · GI upset
Rare
    Serious
    • · Hyperkalemia in CKD

    Drug interactions

    ACEi / ARBs / spironolactone
    Hyperkalemia.
    severe

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with
    • A high-quality multivitamin
      Covers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
    • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
      Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    30–60 mEq/d divided (Rx-strength typical)
    Best form
    Most evidence is based on the potassium citrate form.
    Timing
    Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
    With food?
    Either with or without food.

    Where to buy

    Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

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    Scientific evidence8Show studies
    Meta-analysisCochrane Database · 2015

    Potassium citrate for kidney stones and bone density

    Phillips R, et al.

    Cochrane review of K-citrate in stone prevention.

    Key findings

    Reduces stone recurrence; favorable bone outcomes.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Potassium Citrate — Reduces calcium oxalate stone recurrence

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Potassium Citrate Reduces calcium oxalate stone recurrence" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Potassium Citrate and "Reduces calcium oxalate stone recurrence". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Potassium Citrate — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Potassium Citrate randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Potassium Citrate and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Potassium Citrate — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Potassium Citrate meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Potassium Citrate and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Potassium Citrate — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Potassium Citrate pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Potassium Citrate and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Potassium Citrate — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Potassium Citrate safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Potassium Citrate and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Potassium Citrate — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Potassium Citrate dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Potassium Citrate and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Potassium Citrate — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Potassium Citrate as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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