Last verified: 40 days ago
Citrate
Also known as: citric acid salt, trisodium citrate, potassium citrate, magnesium citrate, ferric citrate, calcium citrate, bismuth potassium citrate, regional citrate anticoagulation
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Salt form used to deliver minerals like magnesium and iron. Evidence for standalone benefits is limited.
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What it does
Citrate is a salt form of citric acid used as a carrier molecule to deliver minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium in supplements. As a delivery vehicle, it may improve mineral...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
What the Science Says
Citrate is a salt form of citric acid used as a carrier molecule to deliver minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium in supplements. As a delivery vehicle, it may improve mineral absorption compared to other salt forms. In medical settings, citrate solutions are used to prevent blood clotting in dialysis catheters and as a reference comparator for kidney stone prevention.
What It Doesn't Do
Citrate alone won't reduce arterial stiffness or calcification in diabetics — a clinical trial found no benefit. It's not a standalone treatment for cardiovascular disease. Don't confuse the citrate carrier with the mineral it delivers; the mineral does the work. No evidence it boosts energy, detoxes the body, or improves athletic performance on its own.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Trisodium citrate solution prevents catheter dysfunction in hemodialysis patients similarly to heparin.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 5% trisodium citrate solution (catheter locking)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Low-dose ferric citrate supplementation helps women recover iron stores faster after blood donation.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 6 mg/day ferric citrate for 12 weeks
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Regional citrate anticoagulation normalizes ionized calcium levels in most dialysis patients within 12 hours.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: Protocol-based citrate infusion during CRRT
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — citrate salt forms are generally considered bioavailable delivery vehicles for minerals, but absorption depends on the specific mineral attached. No direct bioavailability comparison data provided in the supplied studies.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Citrate is a delivery form, not an active ingredient — always check what mineral or compound it is carrying before evaluating a product.
- Magnesium citrate at 350 mg/day showed no benefit for arterial stiffness in a clinical trial, suggesting dose and population matter greatly.
- High-concentration citrate solutions used medically (e.g., catheter locking) are very different from oral supplement doses — do not conflate the two.
- Many products list 'citrate' to imply superior absorption without evidence that the specific dose used achieves meaningful mineral delivery.
Products Containing Citrate
See how Citrate is used in these analyzed products:
IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials Pro
Supplement
IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials
Supplement
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Men's Multivitamin
310 Lemonade - Peach Pear
Supplement
Life Extension Two-Per-Day Multivitamin
Supplement
Key Nutrients Electrolyte Recovery Plus Powder
Supplement
Enzyme Science Digest Gold
Supplement
Purolabs Collagen Complex
NOW Zinc Picolinate 50mg
Supplement
ADAM™ Men's Multiple Vitamin
Supplement
zuPoo
Supplement
Charlotte's Web Quiet Sleep Mushroom Gummies
Supplement
Bakline
Supplement
Allergy Research Group Zinc Picolinate
Supplement
Medino
Supplement
Innerbody Labs Testosterone Support
Supplement
Magnesium Complex 8 Forms
Supplement
Cheers Restore After-Alcohol Aid
Supplement
SmartyPants Women's Organic Multi & Omegas
Supplement
Lemme Chill Ashwagandha Gummies
Supplement
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Citrate do?
Salt form used to deliver minerals like magnesium and iron. Evidence for standalone benefits is limited.
What is the effective dose of Citrate?
No established dose
Is Citrate safe?
Citrate is a delivery form, not an active ingredient — always check what mineral or compound it is carrying before evaluating a product.
What doesn't Citrate do?
Citrate alone won't reduce arterial stiffness or calcification in diabetics — a clinical trial found no benefit.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25