Potassium Citrate (K3C6H5O7) is a potassium salt of citric acid that is commonly used as a dietary supplement to increase potassium intake and as a medication to prevent or treat kidney stones.

Benefits:

• Potassium citrate helps to prevent or treat potassium deficiency, which can cause muscle weakness, cramping, and heart problems.
• Potassium citrate can also help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.
• Potassium citrate can help to prevent or treat kidney stones by making the urine less acidic.
• Potassium citrate can also be used to treat metabolic acidosis, a condition where the body’s pH is too low.

Side Effects:

• Potassium citrate may cause stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea when taken in large doses.
• Potassium citrate may also interact with certain medications, such as blood pressure medications, diuretics, and potassium-sparing diuretics.
• Potassium citrate may also cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) if taken in excessive amounts. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and heart palpitations.
• People with kidney disease or taking potassium-sparing diuretics should not use potassium citrate without consulting with a doctor.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking potassium citrate as a supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications. Also, if you are taking supplements, be sure to check the labels, as many multivitamins and other supplements contain potassium citrate.