Potassium Citrate
The short version
The potassium salt of citric acid — sodium-free buffer, also a urinary alkalinizer.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Where it comes from
Produced by neutralizing citric acid (E330) with potassium hydroxide or carbonate. Available as the monopotassium (acid salt) and tripotassium (neutral salt) forms.
How it's used
Used as a sodium-free pH buffer in sports drinks, low-sodium and renal-diet foods, and effervescent supplements. Outside food, prescribed as a urinary alkalinizer to prevent calcium-stone formation in kidney-stone patients.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — well-tolerated. The potassium load can matter in patients with impaired renal function or on potassium-sparing diuretics; for healthy individuals, dietary potassium is generally beneficial.
Physical & chemical properties
White crystalline powder, deliquescent (the tripotassium form). Very soluble in water. Mildly alkaline solution.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted globally without restrictive limits.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.