Potassium is available in multiple types; examples of two (2) supplementary forms are potassium gluconate and potassium citrate. Supplements are generally administered to set right deficiencies of potassium in your system. This is because an optimal presence of this mineral is essential for the normal functioning of your body. The best way however to get needful potassium is to take a balanced diet. In this milieu, what is the difference between potassium gluconate and citrate? It is a wise thing to know the differences.
Potassium Citrate
You need to know that potassium helps to make your renal system (kidneys), cardiac system, nerves as well as cells to function well. A few medical conditions may decrease the level of potassium. For instance, persistent spells of diarrhea or vomiting can make this mineral to drop to a suboptimal level. In the same light, intake of diuretic (also known as “water pill”) or hormonal conditions like hyperaldosteronism may also make you low on this mineral.
What is potassium gluconate?
This form of potassium is used as a supplement and sequestrating agent (preservative / food additive). It can be obtained through over-the-counter (OTC) route. As an additive to foods, it helps regulate acidity levels and to stabilize yeast-based foods. In a dose of about 600 milligrams (mg), you may obtain up to 2.52 milli-equivalents or ~ 100 mg of potassium (in its elemental form). It is available as pills and capsules. You may also get it in a powdered form.
What is potassium citrate?
This is essentially an additive – added to foods. It is widely used for reduction of acidity level. It is also capable of controlling stones formed in your kidneys – especially, stones formed due to cystine (a derived form of a few amino acids) or uric acid (this is a constituent of your urine). This salt is easily absorbed if taken orally. It is administered for pain management while urinating as well as minimising frequent urges to urinate; both these are symptoms of an acidic nature of urine. Moreover, this salt is taken for the management of arrhythmia i.e., an irregular or erratic heartbeat, chiefly among those who live with deficiency of potassium.
What is the difference between Potassium Gluconate versus Potassium Citrate?
The main difference between these two salts is: potassium gluconate has gluconic acid and potassium in it. On the other hand, potassium citrate is made of citric acid and potassium.
Of these, potassium gluconate is widely used for treating potassium deficiencies; a condition known as hypokalemia. It also creates yellowish-white colored granules. The chief use of this salt is to stabilise acid levels in foods. As another active use, it is added to boost the level of potassium in foods i.e., as a supplement.
Potassium citrate works as a water pill/diuretic. This salt essentially makes you pee in excess amounts. This is administered for managing conditions such as acidosis in your renal system (this is when your renal system is not effectively removing acids from blood stream), decreased availability of potassium and formation of crystals (stones) in your renal system. As a food-additive, this salt can boost flavors. It is widely added to a few types of jellies, cheese as well as margarines.
On the similarities front, both are available in a powdered form and as a liquid. They are salty by taste and are chiefly odorless. Both these forms of potassium may trigger a few adverse effects in your system: these include discharge of watery stools, a few abdominal conditions such as pain and indigestion, spells of vomiting, etc. You may be advised to lower the dosage level of these salts to contain such side effects. Intake of adequate water is considered a safe practice. Above all, you are advised to talk to your treating physician prior to using either of these derivatives of potassium.
Disclaimer
Information provided here is only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting the intake of this drug is safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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