Potassium (as Potassium Citrate)

Tripotassium citrate is a chelated form of the mineral potassium, with three potassium ions bound to a single citrate molecule. Both molecules are involved in supporting efficient cellular energy production. Potassium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body and is vital for the functioning of all living cells. Its main role is as an intracellular electrolyte (sodium is the main extracellular electrolyte). Potassium is needed for electrolyte balance, which supports the electrical functions of cells. Citrate is a salt of citric acid, a compound that was first identified in lemon juice, but is found in all citrus fruits. Citrate is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle (also called the Krebs cycle), a circular pathway that helps turn food into energy (i.e., ATP) and build important biomolecules. Adding intermediates like citrate into this cycle helps upregulate the flux (i.e., the cycle can essentially spin faster). Citrate is also a vital component of bone. 

TOP BENEFITS OF POTASSIUM CITRATE

Supports electrolyte balance*

Supports cellular energy*

Supports neuronal function*

Supports muscle function*

QUALIA’S POTASSIUM CITRATE SOURCING

We opt to use the citrate salt of potassium, instead of a different form of potassium, when both potassium and citrate play a role in supporting pathways or processes in a formulation.

Potassium citrate is non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.

POTASSIUM CITRATE FORMULATING PRINCIPLES AND RATIONALE

Potassium citrate is used primarily as a source of citrate, an important Krebs cycle and mitochondrial nutrient. We supplement it in small amounts to augment dietary intake. The adequate intake (AI) for potassium in adults is 3400 mg for men and 2600mg for women. Supplements will typically contain 99 mg or less per serving because of certain FDA constraints with potassium supplementation. This amount would not be sufficient to correct issues with potassium intake.*

POTASSIUM CITRATE KEY MECHANISMS

General health and well-being* 

Potassium is the main positively charged ion in intracellular fluid* [1,2]

Along with sodium, potassium creates an electrochemical gradient across cell membranes known as the membrane potential* [1,2]

Potassium is essential for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction and heart function* [2]

Potassium is essential for the activity of a few enzymes, including pyruvate kinase (catalyzes the final step of glycolysis)* [3]

Citrate supports the Krebs cycle* [1]

Supports insulin secretion* [4]

Supports insulin sensitivity* [5]

Supports blood flow and blood pressure* [4,6–8]

Supports kidney function* [9,10]

Supports bone health* [11–13]

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

REFERENCES

[1]J.M. Berg, J.L. Tymoczko, G.J. Gatto, L. Stryer, eds., Biochemistry, 8th ed, W.H. Freeman and Company, 2015.

[2]W. Boron, E. Boulpaep, eds., Medical Physiology, 3rd ed., Elsevier, 2016.

[3]M.J. Page, E. Di Cera, Physiol. Rev. 86 (2006) 1049–1092.

[4]C. Ekmekcioglu, I. Elmadfa, A.L. Meyer, T. Moeslinger, J. Physiol. Biochem. 72 (2016) 93–106.

[5]K. Conen, R. Scanni, M.-T. Gombert, H.N. Hulter, R. Krapf, J. Diabetes Complications 30 (2016) 1158–1161.

[6]F.J. Haddy, P.M. Vanhoutte, M. Feletou, Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol. 290 (2006) R546–52.

[7]M.S. Stone, L. Martyn, C.M. Weaver, Nutrients 8 (2016).

[8]F.J. He, N.D. Markandu, R. Coltart, J. Barron, G.A. MacGregor, Hypertension 45 (2005) 571–574.

[9]C.M. Weaver, Adv. Nutr. 4 (2013) 368S–77S.

[10]C.P. Kovesdy, L.J. Appel, M.E. Grams, L. Gutekunst, P.A. McCullough, B.F. Palmer, B. Pitt, D.A. Sica, R.R. Townsend, J. Am. Soc. Hypertens. 11 (2017) 783–800.

[11]K.F. Moseley, C.M. Weaver, L. Appel, A. Sebastian, D.E. Sellmeyer, J. Bone Miner. Res. 28 (2013) 497–504.

[12]D. Granchi, R. Caudarella, C. Ripamonti, P. Spinnato, A. Bazzocchi, A. Massa, N. Baldini, Nutrients 10 (2018).

[13]M. Marangella, M. Di Stefano, S. Casalis, S. Berutti, P. D’Amelio, G.C. Isaia, Calcif. Tissue Int. 74 (2004) 330–335.