Potassium Citrate

Ingredients: Potassium Citrate, Capsule Shell (Vegetable Cellulose), Rice Concentrate.

100% clean formula.

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. All Ethical Nutrition products are free from animal-based ingredients and by-products. Registered with the vegan society. 

Free-from: GMOs, Magnesium Stearate, Gelatin, Palm Oil/Palm Oil Derivatives, Maltodextrin, Bulking Agents, Titanium Dioxide, Sugar. 

Allergen-free: totally free from gluten and allergen containing ingredients.

Additive-free: We don't use any nasty additives and where required we use gluten-free rice extract to help us to blend together ingredients and ensure they are accurately dosed.

Potassium is a major electrolyte mineral that influences everything from acid-alkaline balance to nerve and muscle function. It has known benefits for:

• Kidney health and managing kidney stones: Potassium citrate is the supplement of choice for dealing with kidney stones. When potassium and citrate levels are low, the amount of calcium in urine increases leading to a greater risk of kidney stone formation.
  Potassium citrate alkalises urinary pH levels, making it difficult for new kidney stones to form. Studies show it can reduce the size of existing kidney stones and prevent the formation and growth of new ones [1].
• Blood pressure regulation: Blood pressure is controlled in part by the delicate balance between potassium and sodium. High amounts of sodium (usually from salt in the diet) can raise blood pressure unless it is balanced by enough potassium.
  Potassium increases sodium loss through the kidneys and urine, and aids blood vessel dilation to support healthy blood flow [2]. By helping to normalise blood pressure, potassium reduces the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
• Muscle and Nerve Function: Every single muscle in your body depends on potassium to be able to contract and relax properly. This includes the heart muscle which needs to pump rhythmically to maintain a normal heart rate.
  In the nervous system, potassium is critical for transmitting signals that control various bodily functions including movement, sensation, and reflexes.[3]
• Acid-Base Balance: This refers to the level of acidity and alkalinity in your body. Potassium citrate has an alkalising effect in the body, balancing out any excess acidity. It can help correct metabolic acidosis, an electrolyte disorder that has serious consequences for health. It’s caused by the body either producing too much acid or the kidneys not removing enough of it [4].
• Bone Health: Bones are particularly prone to the effects of metabolic acids. When there is too much acidity in the bloodstream the body takes calcium out of bones to act as a buffer. Over time this weakens the bone structure, leading to osteoporosis.
  Potassium helps neutralise these acids and indirectly supports bone health by preserving calcium stores in bones [5].

There are several forms of potassium including chloride, gluconate, acetate, citrate, and phosphate. Each form is made up of potassium bound to a carrier substance i.e. citric acid, chloride, acetic acid etc.

You might have come across potassium chloride as “Lo-Salt”, an alternative to table salt (sodium chloride). It’s mainly used to raise the body’s potassium levels and manage hypokalaemia (low potassium).

Potassium citrate has more specific benefits for:

• Preventing certain types of kidney stones.
• Supporting muscle and nerve function.
• Regulating blood pressure.
• Optimising acid-alkaline balance.
• Managing metabolic acidosis.

Potassium citrate may be beneficial for:

• Anyone who has a low dietary intake of potassium.
• Anyone taking medications that affect potassium levels (e.g. certain diuretics and steroids).
• Individuals who are prone to or currently managing calcium-based kidney stones.
• People with high blood pressure.
• Those managing metabolic acidosis.

Low potassium (hypokalaemia) is rare. Signs and symptoms include:

1. Extreme fatigue.
2. Muscle weakness, cramps, or spasms.
3. Palpitations, skipped heartbeats, or an irregular heart rhythm.
4. Tingling or numbness due to altered nerve function.
5. Constipation.

When taken as directed potassium citrate is safe and well tolerated. 

Possible side effects include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excess wind.

Yes, potassium citrate and other forms of potassium can interact with a range of medications including:

• Aspirin
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Certain antidepressants
• Certain blood pressure drugs
• Certain steroid medications

This list is not comprehensive and we recommend you speak to your healthcare provider before taking potassium citrate alongside any prescribed medications.

1. *As listed on the website already*
2. *As listed on the website already*
3. *As listed on the website already*
4. Starke, A., Corsenca, A., Kohler, T., Knubben, J., Kraenzlin, M., Uebelhart, D., Wüthrich, R.P., von Rechenberg, B., Müller, R., Ambühl, P.M. 2012. Correction of metabolic acidosis with potassium citrate in renal transplant patients and its effect on bone quality. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology Sep;7(9):1461-72. doi: 10.2215/CJN.01100112. Epub 2012 Jul 5. PMID: 22773591; PMCID: PMC3430948.
5. Lambert, H., Boyd, V., Darling, A., Torgerson, D., Burckhardt, P., Frassetto, L., & Lanham-New, S. 2011. Evidence for the role of potassium in bone health: results of a systematic review and meta-analysis. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 70(OCE3):E86. doi:10.1017/S0029665111001261