Potassium Citrate
Also known as: tripotassium citrate, potassium citrate monohydrate, K citrate
Potassium bound to citric acid, about 36% elemental potassium as the monohydrate. It is the preferred potassium for drink mixes because it tastes cleaner than the chloride and adds a mild tartness, and it is the alkalinizing form studied for urinary citrate and for bone density in older adults. Like other potassium salts it is commonly held to 99 mg per capsule or tablet in US products, so doses of several hundred milligrams usually come as powder.
Research summary
Supplies potassium for electrolyte balance and cellular function; the citrate is metabolized to bicarbonate, giving a net alkaline load that lowers urinary calcium excretion.
Dosage
Daily amounts, elemental (36% of the compound is the element).
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99 mg | 99–500 mg | 3,519 mg | — |
Doses are elemental potassium. Solid doses are commonly capped at 99 mg per unit by convention; electrolyte and alkalinizing powders deliver 200–500 mg or more per serving. Jehle 2013 used 60 mEq/day (2,346 mg potassium) as potassium citrate for two years, and a separate calcium-excretion trial went to 90 mmol/day (3,519 mg). No UL is set. Take with water and food. Tripotassium citrate monohydrate (MW 324.4) is ≈ 36% K; anhydrous is ≈ 38%.
Source material: synthetic (potassium hydroxide or carbonate reacted with citric acid)
As supplied: Monohydrate ≈ 36% K; anhydrous ≈ 38% K
Forms of Potassium
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium Citrate | 99–500 mg | 36% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Potassium Chloride | 99–500 mg | 52% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Liquid | low |
| Potassium Gluconate | 99–300 mg | 17% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Liquid | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Most solid-dose products in the US hold potassium to 99 mg per capsule or tablet by industry convention, so meaningful amounts are usually delivered as powders or liquids. Mild, slightly salty-tart taste; the easiest potassium salt to flavor in beverages and gummies. Hygroscopic.
Formulation notes
Potassium raises serum levels further in people taking ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or potassium-sparing diuretics, and in kidney disease; formulations above the 99 mg convention commonly carry an advisory. Pairs with sodium, magnesium, and chloride in electrolyte blends. Citrate raises aluminum absorption from aluminum antacids.
- Notable drug interactions
Sources
- Potassium — Health Professional Fact SheetNIH ODS
- Effect of potassium citrate on bone density, microarchitecture, and fracture risk in healthy older adults without osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial (Jehle 2013)PubMed
- Potassium Intake and Blood Pressure: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (Filippini 2020)PubMed
Related ingredients
Taurine
Amino acidA sulfur-containing amino acid abundant in muscle, heart, and brain, and a familiar ingredient in energy drinks and pre-workouts.
Typical: 1–3 g
Potassium Chloride
MineralThe most concentrated common potassium source at about 52% elemental potassium, and the salt used in most blood-pressure trials of potassium supplementation.
Typical: 99–500 mg
Magnesium Glycinate
MineralA chelated form of magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine.
Typical: 200–350 mg
Magnesium Citrate
MineralMagnesium bound to citric acid, one of the best-selling magnesium forms because it is inexpensive, dissolves readily, and has shown good bioavailability in comparison studies.
Typical: 150–350 mg
L-Citrulline
Sports performanceA non-protein amino acid that the kidneys convert to arginine, raising plasma arginine more efficiently than oral arginine itself.
Typical: 6–8 g