Last verified: today
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)
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
Regional citrate anticoagulation normalizes ionized calcium levels in most dialysis patients within 12 hours.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: Protocol-based citrate infusion during CRRT
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:
Allergy Research Group Zinc Picolinate
Supplement
Life Extension Two-Per-Day Multivitamin
Supplement
Purolabs Pregnancy Complex
Supplement
NOW Zinc Picolinate 50mg
Supplement
Thorne Zinc Picolinate 15mg
Supplement
KAGED Elite Pre-Workout
Supplement
Kiwla
Supplement
Life Extension Mix Capsules
Supplement
Bakline
Supplement
Swolverine INTRA
Supplement
ADAM™ Men's Multiple Vitamin
Supplement
Mustakshif
Supplement
Ultima Replenisher - Lemon Black Tea
Supplement
Key Nutrients Electrolyte Recovery Plus Powder
Supplement
310 Lemonade - Peach Pear
Supplement
Heights
Supplement
Natrol Sleep & Restore Gummies
Supplement
Performance Lab Calcium
Supplement
Charlotte's Web Quiet Sleep Mushroom Gummies
Supplement
Wild Society Clear Whey Isolate with Electrolytes
Supplement
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