Citrates

Citrates are the key protective factor in kidney stone prevention. Citrate is one of the most effective natural substances for preventing kidney stones. Citrates actively dissolve already-formed kidney stones. Potassium citrate has a potent anti-biofilm effect and is well-studied for kidney stone prevention. Calcium citrate is a preferable supplement form over calcium carbonate because it provides citrate to inhibit biofilm. Consuming 1–3 electrolyte drinks per day containing potassium citrate or magnesium citrate can provide a significant and measurable increase in urinary citrate. People prone to kidney stones should consume at least 2 ounces of lemon juice per day in water. The body manufactures citrate endogenously; it is the molecule central to the Krebs cycle (also called the citric acid cycle), which generates ATP. Citrates act as a chelator, binding free calcium ions in urine and reducing calcium oxalate crystal formation. Citrates protect kidneys by binding oxalates and preventing calcium from forming stones. Citrates inhibit kidney stone formation by preventing calcium and oxalate from crystallizing together. Citrate reduces the concentration of free calcium in urine, lo…