Relationship: Kidney Stones and potassium

Evidence supporting the use of: Potassium
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Potassium, particularly in the form of potassium citrate, is scientifically validated for use in the prevention and management of certain types of kidney stones, most notably calcium oxalate and uric acid stones. The rationale for potassium citrate therapy is based on its ability to alkalinize urine and increase urinary citrate levels. Citrate is a natural inhibitor of stone formation in the urinary tract; it binds with calcium, reducing the amount of free calcium available to form stones and also inhibits the aggregation of crystals that can lead to stone development.

Multiple randomized controlled trials and clinical guidelines support the use of potassium citrate for patients with hypocitraturia (low urinary citrate) and recurrent kidney stones. Studies have shown that potassium citrate supplementation can significantly decrease stone recurrence rates compared to placebo, with benefits evident both in adults and children. The American Urological Association and the European Association of Urology include potassium citrate as a recommended therapy for patients with calcium stones who have low urinary citrate. Potassium chloride, in contrast, does not have the same effect since it does not provide the citrate anion.

While potassium supplementation is not appropriate for all types of kidney stones (and may be contraindicated in patients with certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics), its use in selected cases is well established and evidence-based. Potassium citrate is available in prescription and over-the-counter formulations, and its dosing and monitoring should be guided by a healthcare professional.

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Other ingredients used for Kidney Stones

alfalfa
apricot
arjun tree
asparagus
barley
black cumin
radish
celery
citric acid
cucumber
dandelion
melon
gokhru
gooseberry
heartwood
hibiscus
horsetail
Indian gum arabic tree
marshmallow
moringa
nettle
orange
potassium
pumpkin
quail egg
rehmannia glutinosa
vitamin B6
watercress
watermelon
mulberry
smilax
goldenrod
root tuber
juniper berries
cistanche
dioscorea
lotus seed
cornsilk
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
hydrangea
cleavers
peach
amaranth
gravel root
soursop
Apple Cider Vinegar
Achyranthes
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Adzuki bean
Alisma
Bermuda Grass
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Bayleaf
Bean
Black Gram
Banyan
Borassus Palm
Baobab
Bergenia
Cucurbita
Cactus
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chanca Piedra
Coconut Water
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Chestnut
Colocynth
Currant
eggplant
Euryale seed
Elephant's Head
Phosphate Salt
Prickly Pear Cactus
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Squash

Other health conditions supported by potassium

Alkalosis
Arrhythmia
Cardiovascular Disease
Congestive Heart Failure
Cramps (leg)
Cramps and Spasms
Edema
Fatigue
Hypertension
Kidney Stones
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Radiation Sickness

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Evidence supporting the use of: Potassium
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Kidney Stones

Other health conditions supported by potassium

Products containing potassium

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: PotassiumFor the health condition: Kidney Stones

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Kidney Stones

Other health conditions supported by potassium

Products containing potassium

Evidence supporting the use of: Potassium
For the health condition: Kidney Stones