What Are The Benefits Of Potassium Citrate Powder?

Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte your body uses to perform life-sustaining functions such as keeping your heart beating. Citrate, also known as citric acid, is combined with potassium to create potassium citrate, a supplement sold over-the-counter and available by prescription. Potassium citrate's chief action is that of an alkalizing agent, which can help in a number of health situations.

Kidney Stone Prevention

Although kidney stones can be composed from a variety of substances, the most common component is calcium. This mineral can combine with others like oxalate or phosphorous to create hardened masses that block kidney filtration and cause severe pain. If you do not get enough potassium in your daily diet, you may be at greater risk for experiencing kidney stones. Physicians often recommend patients who have experienced kidney stones in the past take a potassium citrate supplement. The citrate portion of the medication can bind with calcium to prevent kidney stones from forming. The alkaline properties of potassium citrate also help to keep the environment in your kidneys from becoming acidic, which reduces the chances kidney stones will form. Almost three-fourths of patients with recurring kidney stones do not experience another kidney stone after taking potassium citrate, according to The New York Times Health Guides.

Renal Tubular Acidosis

Renal tubular acidosis is a disease that affects your kidney's ability to maintain an acid-alkaline balance in your blood. Your kidney typically release excess acids via your urine, which reduces the amount in your blood. Renal tubular acidosis, however, makes your blood too acidic, which can cause harmful effects such as slow growth, bone disease and kidney disease. If you experience this condition, your physician may recommend taking potassium citrate to reduce the acidity in your blood.

Prevent Bone Loss

Many Americans eat a high-sodium diet, which not only affects your blood pressure -- it also affects your bone density. Your body may pull calcium from your bones to to compensate for the extra salt. According to a study published in the May 2002 edition of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism," taking potassium citrate helps to reduce the amount of calcium loss in study subjects who ate a high-sodium diet. These findings could have potential in helping in reducing osteoporosis in women who experience potassium-related bone loss.

Side Effects

While potassium citrate has many benefits, it is not without side effects. Some people who take the medication report stomach issues, ranging from upset stomach to vomiting to diarrhea. Also, potassium citrate can increase your potassium levels too much, causing symptoms such as weakness, feeling faint or experiencing numbness or tingling in your body.