Synopsis

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

Potassium citrate is used to support or treat uric acid retention, particularly in the context of preventing uric acid kidney stones. The scientific basis for its use centers on its ability to alkalinize the urine, which increases the solubility of uric acid and reduces the risk of uric acid crystal and stone formation. Clinical studies have shown that administration of potassium citrate raises urinary pH, leading to decreased precipitation of uric acid. This therapeutic effect is well-documented in the nephrology and urology literature, with potassium citrate being a standard treatment for patients with recurrent uric acid nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) and hyperuricosuria, especially when urine pH is persistently low.

Key references include clinical guidelines from the American Urological Association and studies such as Pak et al. (1983, The New England Journal of Medicine) and Sakhaee et al. (2002, Kidney International), both of which demonstrate that potassium citrate effectively elevates urinary pH and decreases uric acid stone recurrence. However, while potassium citrate is established for stone prevention, its efficacy in lowering systemic uric acid levels or treating gout is less robustly supported. Its main benefit is preventing uric acid precipitation in the urinary tract rather than addressing systemic uric acid retention. Thus, the evidence is strong for its use in uric acid nephrolithiasis, but not for generalized hyperuricemia or gout.

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