Potassium Citrate

Potassium Citrate Benefits

As an essential mineral, potassium citrate can help protect the human body against symptoms of hypertension, or even protect against strokes. In addition, potassium citrate helps maintain the levels of water in the body, and can assist the body by converting excess blood sugar into glycogen.

This is an extremely important benefit to athletes and weightlifters. Including the correct amount of potassium citrate in a diet or exercise program can help reduce excess body fat and in turn increase muscle mass.

Potassium is one of the most abundant minerals found in the human body, and it works best along with the sodium in the body. Because the kidneys are able to properly regulate the amount of potassium citrate in the body, any excess amount of the mineral is removed by urination.

Potassium citrate promotes kidney health, and helps reduce the possibility of kidney stones. Kidney stones can be caused by increasing levels of calcium in the body, or acidic urine.  In addition, potassium citrate can help maintain a healthy heart as well.

Potassium Citrate Daily Dosage

The average man or woman requires anywhere between 2,000 and 4,000 mg of potassium on a daily basis. These amounts vary depending on the individual, and it is important to speak to a doctor or other health care provider before including potassium citrate or any other supplement in a diet and exercise program.

Some of the everyday foods that contain potassium citrate include bananas, celery, squash, tomatoes, eggplant, carrots and orange juice.

Potassium citrate is also available in various tablet forms, including a 100 mg and 250 mg doses. Potassium citrate supplements should also not be taken on an empty stomach, and is best when consumed along with water. Taking a potassium citrate supplement without food can cause an upset stomach and/or nausea.

Potassium Citrate Deficiency Symptoms

There are many different symptoms that are consistent with a potassium citrate deficiency. These include extreme fatigue, rapid heartbeats, muscle and bone pain, depression, very high or very low blood pressure and difficulty retaining water.

Other long-term symptoms, such as excessive protein levels within the urine, stunting of growth and lack of fertility, can be because of a lack of potassium citrate. Individuals who exercise or work out regularly are susceptible to potassium because of the amount of sweat that the body loses because of perspiration.

Potassium Citrate Warnings and Side Effects

Certain individuals should not take potassium citrate supplements, including people with any type of kidney disease, heart disease or certain drug allergies. In addition, certain salt products that contain high levels of the potassium citrate can cause an upset stomach, a rise in blood pressure and an increase or decrease in a heart rate.

The most common side effects of excessive potassium citrate consumption include excessive vomiting, an upset stomach, nausea and excessive and loose bowel movements. However, other side effects which are more serious include serious muscle weakness, confusion, tingling of hands and feet, or extremely dark stools. In any of these cases, it is important to contact a physician or emergency medical provider.

Other less common side effects can include difficulty breathing, as well as swelling throughout the body, including but not limited to the face, lips and tongue.  However, overdosing on potassium citrate is very rare and is not common.

Any individual in a high risk category, such as pregnant or nursing women, individuals with heart or kidney problems, or individuals taking other supplements, should not take potassium citrate supplements without first talking to their doctors.

Potassium citrate is rated as a Pregnancy Category C supplement by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which means it is not known whether or not the mineral is harmful to an unborn baby. Pregnant women should consult their physician before taking potassium citrate supplements.

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