The kidney-stone one
Potassium citrate
Your body absorbs it well. Sometimes prescribed to help prevent certain kidney stones.
What variations of potassium exist?
An electrolyte that keeps heart rhythm, muscle contraction, nerve signals, and fluid balance working. Food is the main source, and supplements need more care than most minerals. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The kidney-stone one
Potassium citrate
Your body absorbs it well. Sometimes prescribed to help prevent certain kidney stones.
The common one
Potassium chloride
The usual form in prescriptions, electrolyte mixes, and salt substitutes.
The electrolyte-mix ones
Potassium gluconate or bicarbonate
Well-absorbed options found in some electrolyte products.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Potassium citrate' on the label (the kidney-stone one)
Watch out for
- Salt substitutes, which are mostly potassium chloride and add up quickly
- Several electrolyte drinks or powders used together
Check with your provider first if…
- You have kidney disease. Your kidneys clear potassium, and levels can build up to a dangerous point.
- You take certain blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors or ARBs), potassium-sparing 'water pills' like spironolactone, or trimethoprim, which all raise potassium
- You have heart rhythm problems or heart failure
- Signs of high potassium: muscle weakness, tingling, or an irregular or slow heartbeat. Get care right away.
- You have trouble swallowing or your stomach empties slowly. Potassium pills can irritate the throat and gut.
In Dr. Lesher's store
One product in Dr. Lesher's dispensary has potassium. Here's which form, where the label says.
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Seeking Health
Vitamin C Plus
Has gluconate (the electrolyte-mix ones)
275 mg per serving
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.