Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Moderate evidenceVitamins & minerals

Potassium Citrate

An alkalinising potassium salt used mainly to prevent calcium kidney stones from recurring. The stone evidence is genuinely positive, though the trials are small; the "alkaline diet for bones" rationale is much weaker.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

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What the science says

  • Prevents recurrence of calcium stones Moderate evidence

    A Cochrane review of 7 randomized trials (477 participants, mostly oxalate stones) found citrate salts reduced new stone formation (RR 0.26) and stone growth, and cut the need for retreatment. The reviewers rated the trial quality moderate to poor and called for a properly powered study.

  • Confirmed in an umbrella review Moderate evidence

    A 2025 umbrella review of 9 systematic reviews covering 88 randomized trials rated the evidence for potassium citrate in preventing stone recurrence as high certainty, alongside thiazides — one of the few supplement-adjacent interventions in that category.

  • Tolerability limits it Moderate evidence

    In the same Cochrane review, dropouts due to adverse events were more than four times as common on citrate as on control (RR 4.45), mostly from upper gastrointestinal upset.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseStone-prevention trials used roughly 30–60 mEq/day of potassium citrate split across meals. Over-the-counter supplements usually supply 99 mg of potassium per tablet, far below therapeutic dosing, which is prescription territory.
SafetyGastrointestinal irritation is the main complaint. The serious risk is hyperkalemia: do not take potassium supplements if you have kidney impairment, or if you take ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, amiloride), or NSAIDs regularly, without medical supervision and blood monitoring. Recurrent stone formers should have their stone type analysed first, since citrate suits calcium stones and not all types.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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