Potassium Citrate
Also known as: K citrate
Potassium salt of citric acid; citrate is hepatically converted to bicarbonate, raising urinary citrate and reducing stone risk while replenishing K⁺.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study
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Overview
Potassium citrate provides bioavailable potassium with citrate as a systemic alkaliser, useful for electrolyte repletion in athletes and as a clinically validated stone-prevention agent.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Restores potassium losses from sweat and diuresis, supports cellular membrane potential, and alkalises urine and plasma.
Physiological Role
Replaces sweat potassium (~200–400 mg/L) in heat-stressed athletes; supports neuromuscular function and intracellular hydration.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Best for endurance/heat-acclimatised athletes; modest BP-lowering effects in hypertension; clinically used for nephrolithiasis.
Evidence Review
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Compare Potassium Forms
Full comparison6 potassium forms are indexed. Bioavailability, clinical evidence, and best-use cases differ meaningfully between them.
| Form | Evidence |
|---|---|
Potassium CitrateThis page Highly bioavailable when dissolved. | 68/100 |
| Dietary Nitrate (Potassium Nitrate) Enterosalivary reduction (oral bacteria) is required for bioconversion to nitrite; use of antibacterial mouthwash can blunt the effect | 67/100 |
| Iodine Iodide salts and iodised oil were used in trials; urinary iodine increases reliably after supplementation. | 59/100 |
| Dipotassium Phosphate High intestinal absorption. | 58/100 |
| Potassium Chloride Oral potassium chloride increases urinary potassium excretion; slow‑release formulations were used in multiple trials | 55/100 |
| Potassium Bicarbonate Potassium salts are generally well absorbed orally. | 53/100 |
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 100 mg elemental K/day supplemental
- Optimal Range
- 200–500 mg/day supplemental (food first)
- Upper / Caution Level
- ~99 mg per OTC dose in US; higher under clinician guidance
- Timing
- Split doses with meals
- Best Format
- Powder, capsule
- Bioavailability
- Highly bioavailable when dissolved.
- Absorption Considerations
- Active intestinal transport; rapid plasma equilibration.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •GI upset
- •Hyperkalaemia at very high doses
Contraindications
- Hyperkalaemia
- Severe CKD
- Adrenal insufficiency
Drug Interactions
- •ACE inhibitors
- •ARBs
- •K-sparing diuretics
- •NSAIDs
Who Should Avoid
- •CKD stage 4-5
- •Addison's disease
Monitoring
Serum K in at-risk patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Potassium Citrate typically used or indicated?
Potassium Citrate is most commonly used for: Electrolyte repletion, Alkalising agent, Kidney stone prevention, Acid-base buffering. Replaces sweat potassium (~200–400 mg/L) in heat-stressed athletes; supports neuromuscular function and intracellular hydration.
How does Potassium Citrate work?
Restores potassium losses from sweat and diuresis, supports cellular membrane potential, and alkalises urine and plasma.
What is the recommended dose of Potassium Citrate?
The optimal range is 200–500 mg/day supplemental (food first). with a minimum effective dose of 100 mg elemental K/day supplemental. Best taken: Split doses with meals. Upper / caution level: ~99 mg per OTC dose in US; higher under clinician guidance.
What are the side effects of Potassium Citrate?
Reported side effects include: GI upset; and Hyperkalaemia at very high doses. Monitoring: Serum K in at-risk patients.
Does Potassium Citrate interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: ACE inhibitors; ARBs; K-sparing diuretics; and NSAIDs. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Potassium Citrate?
Potassium Citrate is generally not recommended for: CKD stage 4-5; Addison's disease; Hyperkalaemia; Severe CKD; and Adrenal insufficiency.
How strong is the evidence for Potassium Citrate?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 68/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.
Research & References (1)
Potassium citrate prevents calcium oxalate stones: long-term RCT
Reduced stone formation rate by 90% vs placebo.
Related Ingredients
Other top-rated ingredients in Minerals.
Magnesium Glycinate
84/100An amino acid chelate of magnesium providing elemental Mg²⁺ bound to two glycine molecules, offering superior bioavailability and minimal gastrointestinal side effects.
Calcium Citrate
75/100Calcium bound to citric acid; ~24% elemental Ca by mass; absorbed across the small intestine via active transport and paracellular diffusion regardless of gastric pH.
Zinc
74/100Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of human trials show that oral zinc supplementation reduces duration and increases recovery rates in acute and persistent watery diarrhoea in children; lowers inflammatory lesion counts in acne; reduces pain severity in primary dysmenorrhea; and in small trials (20–30 mg/day) improved fasting glucose and 2‑hr OGTT in people with prediabetes. Adverse effects reported include increased vomiting in children receiving zinc for diarrhoea.
Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/potassium-citrate
SuppIndex. (2026). Potassium Citrate: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/potassium-citrate
Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Pair with sodium for full electrolyte profile; combine with Mg.