Potassium Citrate

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Cat Number

API866842

CAS Number

866-84-2

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

866-84-2

EINECS

212-755-5

Synonyms

Tripotassium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate;tripotassium citrate anhydrous

Molecular Formula

C6H9KO7

Molecular Weight

232.23

Smiles

C(O)(C(=O)O)(CC(=O)O)CC(=O)O.[KH]

Melting Point

230℃

Relative Density

1.19

General Description

Potassium Citrate is an alkalinizing salt of potassium and citric acid, used both as a potassium supplement and as a urinary alkalinizing agent. The citrate anion is metabolized in the hepatic TCA cycle to bicarbonate, providing a systemic alkalinizing effect, while potassium is distributed primarily in the intracellular compartment as an essential electrolyte. This dual-action formulation offers advantages over potassium chloride in patients with concurrent metabolic acidosis.

Mechanism of Action

Potassium Citrate acts through two complementary mechanisms: as a potassium supplement, it replenishes total body potassium stores, critical for maintaining normal resting membrane potential, cellular electrolyte balance, neuromuscular conduction, and cardiovascular electrophysiology; and as a urinary alkalinizer, citrate is metabolized to bicarbonate in the liver, increasing systemic alkali load, raising urinary pH and increasing urinary citrate, thereby reducing urinary calcium crystallization and stone formation.

Application

Potassium Citrate is indicated for the prevention and treatment of calcium kidney stones (particularly uric acid and calcium oxalate stones) by raising urinary pH and increasing urinary citrate levels. It is also used as a potassium supplement in the treatment and prevention of hypokalemia, particularly when accompanied by metabolic acidosis or when alkalinization is desired. Extended-release tablet formulations minimize gastrointestinal irritation.

The Western diet typically generates a net acid load that the skeleton buffers by releasing alkaline calcium salts, leading to calcium loss. Potassium citrate neutralizes this dietary acid load. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 52 healthy older adults (mean age 65 years) received potassium citrate 60 mmol/day, 90 mmol/day, or placebo for 6 months. Both potassium citrate doses significantly reduced net acid excretion to negative values and decreased 24-hour urine calcium by 46-59 mg/day compared with placebo, without affecting fractional calcium absorption. Calcium balance significantly improved with 90 mmol/day potassium citrate versus placebo.
Serum C-telopeptide, a bone resorption marker, decreased significantly with both potassium citrate doses, while bone-specific alkaline phosphatase did not change. Intact parathyroid hormone decreased significantly in the 90 mmol/day group. Serum potassium remained normal except one withdrawal for mild hyperkalemia. Potassium citrate 90 mmol/day improved calcium balance and reduced bone resorption.

Fig. 1 Change in calcium parameters and parathyroid hormone after 6 months of potassium citrate supplementation. (Moseley K F.; et al. 2013)

References

Moseley K F, et al. Potassium citrate supplementation results in sustained improvement in calcium balance in older men and women. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2013, 28(3): 497-504.

What is the recommended storage condition for Potassium Citrate?

It should be stored at controlled room temperature in a well-sealed container, protected from moisture and direct light, to maintain its chemical integrity throughout the shelf life.

What documentation is provided with each batch of Potassium Citrate?

Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) covering identity, potency, and relevant purity tests. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available upon request.

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Potassium Citrate?

Flexible MOQ options are available to support both early-stage research and large-scale manufacturing needs. Our team can tailor order quantities to match your specific requirements.

What is the standard particle size of Potassium Citrate supplied?

Standard commercial grades are supplied; custom particle size specifications are available upon request for specific formulation needs.