Ingredient Information

Function

Potassium citrate is a natural salt of potassium that comes from the citric acid in citrus fruits. Potassium citrate is used as a pH buffer and flavor enhancer, primarily to regulate tartness in soft drinks. Potassium citrate is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, and occurs naturally in the body. Potassium citrate helps balance the pH levels in food, and prevents it from rapid, sudden changes. Potassium citrate is a salt of citric acid. It is a white crystalline powder.

Other Use and Industries

Potassium citrate is used medicinally; it is also found in multivitamins as a source of potassium.

Potassium citrate is also used in the manufacturing of cigarettes.

Health Effects

Potassium citrate helps to minimize the symptoms of gout and can inhibit the growth of kidney stones. It does the latter by reducing the amount of calcium excreted by the body. Potassium citrate has diuretic properties.

When used medicinally, potassium citrate is usually administered by prescription. It is known to reduce blood pressure and the risk of osteoporosis.

Potassium citrate causes some side effects. It is known to cause dizziness, numbness, diarrhea, vomiting and arrhythmia.

Origins

Potassium citrate is a potassium salt of citric acid. It occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables whenever potassium and citric acid are present together. Potassium citrate can also be made chemically by reacting potassium salts with citric acid.

Potassium citrate is found naturally in citrus fruits, bananas, prunes, fish, poultry and green leafy vegetables like spinach and artichokes. Yogurt is also a good source of potassium citrate.