Potassium Citrate vs Potassium Chloride vs Potassium Gluconate 2023
Potassium is an essential mineral that is required by all tissues in the body. Potassium plays a vital role in managing fluids, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. It also helps your body regulate your blood pressure, heart rhythm and the water content in cells.
Potassium citrate, potassium chloride, and potassium gluconate are different forms of potassium supplements, each with its own characteristics and uses.
Potassium Citrate vs Potassium Chloride vs Potassium Gluconate
Potassium Citrate
Usage: Potassium citrate is an effective urinary alkalinizer, which means it increases the pH of urine, making it more alkaline. Therefore, it is commonly prescribed to prevent the formation of certain types of kidney stones.
Taste: Potassium citrate generally has a sour or tart taste due to the citric acid component. It can be described as mildly acidic or citrus-like
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Oral dosage form (extended-release tablets)for treatment and prevention of kidney stones: (Source)
- Adults—At first, 15 to 30 milliequivalents (mEq) two times a day, or 10 to 20 mEq three times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mEq per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Potassium Chloride
Composition: Potassium chloride is a potassium salt of hydrochloric acid.
Usage: Potassium Chloride is widely used as a dietary supplement and medication to address potassium deficiencies (hypokalemia).
Moreover, potassium chloride salt can be a replacement for table salt in order to increase potassium intake while lowering sodium intake. It can be consumed by people whose sodium intake has been restricted due to high blood pressure or other medical conditions. However, it is crucial to remember that potassium chloride has a distinct taste and that consuming too much of it can be harmful, especially for people with certain medical conditions.
Taste: Potassium chloride has a salty taste, similar to regular table salt, due to its chloride content.
Potassium Gluconate
Composition: Potassium gluconate is a potassium salt of gluconic acid.
Taste: Compared to potassium chloride, potassium gluconate generally has a milder taste and may be better tolerated by those who are sensitive to the taste of potassium supplements.
Which is better Potassium Gluconate or Potassium Chloride?
Both potassium citrate and potassium gluconate may be used as food additives or supplements, but they have some slightly different applications.
Both potassium citrate and potassium gluconate can come in liquid or dry powder forms that dissolve in water. They’re odorless, and both have a salty taste.
Potassium citrate forms white or transparent crystals, while potassium gluconate forms yellowish white granules.
Potassium citrate acts as a diuretic (making you pee more), and is used to manage, prevent or treat conditions such as:
- Renal tubular acidosis (when the kidneys do not properly remove acids from the blood)
- Kidney stones (crystal-like formations in the kidneys)
- Low potassium levels (hypokalemia)
- Potassium gluconate may be used to manage, prevent or treat low potassium levels (hypokalemia).
As a food additive..
- Potassium citrate may be added to foods to enhance flavor, add potassium or regulate acidity. Food products that may contain potassium citrate include some cheeses, margarines and jellies.
- Potassium gluconate may be used to regulate the acidity or add potassium to a food product.
Potassium Chloride vs. Potassium Citrate
a. Potassium Chloride vs. Potassium Citrate - Differences
Potassium chloride is used as a supplement to raise potassium levels in your body. Potassium citrate is used for certain types of kidney stones.
Potassium chloride is available in many dosage forms, including powder packets, liquid, and ER capsules and tablets. Potassium citrate is only available as an ER tablet.
b. Potassium Chloride vs. Potassium Citrate - Similarities
Both medications have stomach-related side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Both should be taken with food. It’s recommended to take potassium chloride or potassium citrate with food, which might lessen some of the stomach-related effects.
Both medications are available in generic versions. Since both medications are available as generic medications, this might save you on costs.
c. Potassium Chloride vs. Potassium Citrate - Dosage
i. Potassium chloride
Starting dose to prevent low potassium levels: 20 mEq per day
Starting dose to treat low potassium: 40 mEq per day
Maximum dosage
ER capsules, K-Tabs, Klor-Con M tablets:
100 mEq per day in divided doses with no more than 20 mEq per dose
Powder packet or liquid versions:
200 mEq per day in divided doses with no more than 40 mEq per dose
Klor-Con ER tablets:
100 mEq per day in divided doses with no more than 40 mEq per dose
ii. Potassium citrate
Very low citrate in your urine: 30 mEq 2 times daily or 20mEq 3 times daily
Mild or moderately low urine citrate:
15 mEq 2 times daily or 10 mEq 3 times daily
Maximum dosage
100 mEq per day
d. Can I take potassium chloride and potassium citrate together?
No, potassium chloride and potassium citrate aren’t typically taken together.
While potassium citrate is used to treat certain types of kidney stones, it can also raise potassium levels. In fact, hyperkalemia is a possible side effect of potassium citrate. Close monitoring is often necessary if your healthcare provider recommends that you take potassium for low potassium levels and potassium citrate for certain types of kidney stones.
Side Effects
Although all types of potassium are typically safe when used as recommended, excessive intake can result in hyperkalemia, which can have serious health consequences. People who take medications that affect potassium levels or have kidney issues should use in caution and always consult doctor before taking this supplement.
Best Potassium Supplements
1. Nutricost Potassium Citrate - Best Potassium Citrate Supplement
Potassium citrate is a powerful, easily absorbed compound made up of potassium and citric acid. An electrolyte, potassium citrate helps cells to ferry electrical charges between the muscles and brain, playing a key role in muscle contraction (including the heart!).
Supplementing with potassium citrate may ease discomfort from muscle cramps.* It is also a powerful akalyzing agent and can work to prevent kidney stones caused by crystal formation in overly acidic urine.*
Nutricost Potassium Citrate Capsules
- Maximum Serving Size 99mg of Potassium Citrate Per Capsule
- 500 Capsules or 240 Capsules Per Bottle
- High-Quality Potassium Citrate in Every Serving
- Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, 3rd Party Tested
- Made in a GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility
- Do not exceed recommended serving size unless specifically directed to by your physician.
After a horrific battle with kidney stones, my doctor insisted I use this supplement to balance out levels. That happened upon my next testing. While they can’t promise I’ll never have kidney stones again, it’s apparent based on my situation I’ve greatly reduced my chances.
2. BulkSupplements.com Potassium Chloride Powder - Best Potassium Chloride Supplement
- Stay Hydrated with Potassium
Potassium is essential for maintaining fluid balance.* And, it's found in many foods, but it is not always readily available to the body. Our Potassium Chloride, one of the potassium supplements, can help to keep the body's fluid levels in balance, which is essential for optimal health and performance.*
- For Nerve Health
Potassium is a key mineral for nerve health.* Potassium Chloride supplement, a potassium salt, also plays an important role in the transmission of messages in our body.* This potassium chloride powder, or potassium powder supplement, is an important nutrient for people who lead active lifestyles, as well as for those who want to maintain healthy nerve function, so you can feel your best everyday!*
- Supplements the Muscles
Muscles need potassium to function properly, and potassium chloride is a source of this essential mineral. By supplementing with potassium chloride or potassium salt substitute, you can help keep your muscles contracted and performing at their best.* If you're looking for a way to boost your performance*, potassium chloride, one of the potassium powder, may be the perfect supplement for you.
- High Quality
Our potassium chloride powder free from any fillers, additives and artificial flavors. Moreover, they are manufactured according to cGMP Standards to ensure the highest quality for manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and holding operations. We third party test our potassium powder supplement or potassium salt substitute at multiple stages during production, procedures and equipment to ensure compliance, standards and consistency.
I take potassium to treat an electrolyte imbalance. I like the powder form because I can control the amount I take. Since taking this I no longer have dizziness which can be a symptom of low potassium level. I also have more energy and lower BP. Consult a medical doctor before taking this. Be careful not to take too much, drink plenty of water with it and don’t take it without food.
3. Best Naturals Potassium Gluconate - Best Potassium Gluconate Supplement
Product Details
- 3rd Party Lab Tested for Purity & Quality.
- 595 mg of Potassium Gluconate per Tablet - 250 Tablets per Bottle.
- Non-GMO & Gluten-Free.
- Proudly Made in USA, GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility.
- No Artificial Color, Flavor, or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Milk, No Corn, No Soy, No Egg, No Lactose, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish. Sodium Free.
I take Prednisone for rheumatoid arthritis. Prednisone depletes potassium in the body. Low potassium causes painful muscle cramps. I take two of these tablets per day. No more leg cramps.
FAQ
a. What is Hypokalemia?
Hypokalemia refers to low levels of potassium in the bloodstream. When potassium levels drop below normal, it can result in various symptoms and complications. Here are some common symptoms of hypokalemia:
- Muscle Weakness: This can have an impact on a number of bodily muscular groups, including the arms, legs, and even the respiratory muscles. A person with weakness may find it difficult to move objects, climb stairs, or stand up from a seated posture. Weakness can range from minor to severe.
- Fatigue: This can be attributed to the role of potassium in cellular energy production. The body may struggle to maintain adequate energy levels when potassium levels are low, which can cause exhaustion and a lack of energy.
- Muscle Cramps: These cramps can be uncomfortable and are frequently related with exercise or prolonged periods of physical activity. Low potassium levels can upset the balance and cause cramping since potassium is involved in both muscle contraction and relaxation.
- Abnormal Heart Rhythm: Potassium is necessary to keep the heartbeat regular. Low potassium levels can cause cardiac arrhythmia, a type of irregular heart rhythm. Palpitations, a rapid heartbeat, or even more severe symptoms like dizziness, or chest pain may be present.
- Constipation: Constipation and trouble passing stools can be caused by low potassium levels. This happens as a result of potassium's role in controlling muscle contractions overall, including in the intestines.
- Increased Urination and Excessive Thirst: Hypokalemia can impair the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine, resulting in excessive production of urine (polyuria). As a result, in order to compensate for fluid loss, the body may experience excessive thirst (polydipsia).
b. Citrate Foods for Kidney Stones
- Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.
- Citrus Juices: Freshly squeezed orange, lemon, or lime juices.
- Lemonade: Lemonade made with fresh lemons.
- Melons: Watermelon and cantaloupe.
c. Alternative to Potassium Citrate for Kidney Stones
According to one study, suggest that lemon juice can be an alternative in the treatment of urinary calcium stones in patients with hypocitraturia. Additionally, dietary recommendations can increase effectiveness of the treatment.
d. Potassium Benefits
i. Potassium and Blood Pressure
Foods that are rich in potassium are important in managing high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) because potassium lessens the effects of sodium. The more potassium you eat, the more sodium you lose through urine. Potassium also helps to ease tension in your blood vessel walls, which helps further lower blood pressure.Increasing potassium through diet is recommended in adults with blood pressure above 120/80 who are otherwise healthy. Potassium can be harmful in patients with kidney disease, any condition that affects how the body handles potassium, or those who take certain medications. The decision of whether to take excess potassium should be discussed with your doctor. (Source)
ii. Potassium and Bone Health
Dietary potassium may neutralize acid load and reduce calcium loss from the bone, leading to beneficial effect on bone mineral density. A study showed that dietary potassium intake was positively associated with BMD in men aged >50 years and postmenopausal women, indicating the beneficial effects of dietary potassium intake on bone health.Another finding indicate that higher dietary potassium levels have a favorable effect on bone health and preventing osteoporosis in older Korean women. Daily potassium intake was significantly related to a decreased risk of osteoporosis at the lumbar spine in postmenopausal women.
iii. Potassium and Sleep Quality
Potassium is also an important element to human health and a natural muscle relaxant. According to one study, potassium levels also play a role in sleep, with more benefiting slumber time.Another study may indicate an improvement in sleep consolidation with potassium supplementation. Potassium significantly increased actigraphic Sleep Efficiency due to a reduction in actigraphic Wake after Sleep Onset (WASO). However, further studies using standard polysomnography are required to define potassium’s effects on human sleep.
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