PureBulk

Purebulk offers several potassium products. For a comparison of these options click here.

Note: This product is manufactured in Germany and purchased from a USA distributor. However, we do offer a product from China if you prefer.

Purebulk Potassium Products: Potassium Bicarbonate, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Citrate (China), Potassium Citrate (Germany), Potassium Gluconate, Potassium Iodide, Potassium L-Aspartate 25%.

What is Potassium Citrate?

Potassium citrate is derived from chemically combining potassium and citric acid. It is known as one of the most absorbable forms of potassium.

Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in numerous reactions in the body, including maintaining optimal heart health.

Potassium citrate is quickly absorbed when taken orally and is excreted in the urine as a carbonate. It is employed as a non-irritating diuretic.

Potassium citrate is used in numerous soft drinks as a buffering agent.

Health Benefits of Potassium Citrate

Potassium is needed to manage and control water balance, levels of acidity, blood pressure and neuromuscular function. It is responsible for the transmission of electrical impulses in the heart.

Potassium is necessary for carbohydrate and protein metabolism (Wikipedia). It acts as an electrolyte in the body, carrying nutrients in and waste out of cells. Electrolytes dissolve in water to form positively charged ions and pass easily through cell membranes. They are able to carry electrical messages from the nervous system to the heart and other muscles to maintain regular muscle rhythm and contraction.

Most fruits are excellent sources of potassium, as are beans, milk and vegetables. The best way to ensure adequate potassium in the diet is to consume several pieces of fruit per day as well as liberal amounts of vegetables.

The amount of potassium found in the average diet ranges from about 2.5 grams to about 5.8 grams per day. The amount common in supplements, which is around 99 mg per tablet or capsule, is very low since a single banana can contain approximately 500 milligrams.

Abnormally low levels of potassium in the cells can cause what is known as hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can be the result of prolonged vomiting, the use of some diuretics, kidney disease, anorexia, bulimia or any other condition that might cause potassium to exit the body faster than you can replenish it. Fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps, and intestinal paralysis are among some of the symptoms, which may lead to bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain.

The use of prescription drugs such as aldactone, colchicines, digitalis, ACE-inhibitors, steroids, furosemide and other diuretics, penicillin, and the abuse of alcohol or laxatives, all inhibit the body’s ability to absorb potassium. Those taking any of these medications, who have an eating disorder or who are alcohol-dependent should speak to a doctor about the need for potassium supplements.

How pure is Potassium Citrate?

This pharmaceutical-grade potassium citrate contains no fillers, taste additives or anti-caking agents.

Suggested Use of Potassium Citrate

WARNING: Too much potassium is toxic, even fatal. Do not exceed the suggested amount. As a dietary supplement, take 275 milligrams a day, or as directed by a physician. Due to potential toxicity, use of a digital milligram scale is necessary. Do not attempt to use measuring spoons; they are not accurate enough. Mix with 8 to 12 ounces of water and drink.

As many foods are sufficiently high in potassium, the FDA recommends no more than 100 milligrams daily intake of elemental potassium. Since potassium citrate powder is approximately 36% elemental potassium, 275 milligrams (mg) of Purebulk's potassium citrate powder will yield an equivalent elemental potassium serving of 99 milligrams, within FDA standards.

Potential side effects of Potassium Citrate

WARNING: Too much potassium is toxic, even fatal. While potassium depletion or deficiency is a health risk, high to excessive amounts of potassium are also linked with toxicity. Potassium-containing products should be used only under medical supervision.

Potassium citrate is typically safe at suggested serving sizes. Occasional side effects include diarrhea, loose bowel movements, nausea, gastric upset (stomach irritation andpain) and vomiting.

A very serious allergic reaction is rare, but seek immediate medical attention if you notice a rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness or you have trouble breathing.

This supplement may cause high potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia) which can result in cardiac dysfunction; therefore it is important that individuals with low kidney function, diabetes or heart disease be monitored closely while taking potassium supplements

People using potassium-sparing drugs should avoid using potassium-containing products and should not take potassium supplements unless they are under the supervision of a doctor.

If you are supplementing with potassium, pay careful attention to how much fruit you are eating daily as certain fruits contain high amounts of potassium.

Keep potassium products out of reach of children and pets.

How should I store it?

You will receive this powder in a resealable bag. Store it in a cool, dry, dark location. Reseal tightly between uses.

References & Further Research

Wikipedia: Potassium citrate

WebMD: Potassium Citrate

NOTE: 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.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.