Sodium Citrate
Also known as: trisodium citrate, citric acid trisodium salt, SC
Effective Dosage
0.3 g/kg body weight for exercise buffering; variable for medical uses
What the Science Says
Sodium citrate is a sodium salt of citric acid that acts as an alkalizing agent — it raises the pH of blood and urine. In sports contexts, it is taken before high-intensity exercise to buffer lactic acid buildup, though clinical trials suggest it is less effective than sodium bicarbonate for this purpose. In kidney disease, it has been studied as a treatment for metabolic acidosis, where it performs comparably to sodium bicarbonate at correcting low bicarbonate levels, and a potassium citrate/sodium citrate combination has shown promise in reducing urinary oxidative stress markers in mild-stage chronic kidney disease.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't meaningfully boost exercise performance on its own — sodium bicarbonate outperforms it in head-to-head trials. Not a muscle builder or recovery supplement. No evidence it burns fat or improves body composition. Combining it with sodium bicarbonate doesn't appear to add extra benefit over sodium bicarbonate alone.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Sodium citrate is a sodium salt of citric acid that acts as an alkalizing agent — it raises the pH of blood and urine. In sports contexts, it is taken before high-intensity exercise to buffer lactic acid buildup, though clinical trials suggest it is less effective than sodium bicarbonate for this purpose. In kidney disease, it has been studied as a treatment for metabolic acidosis, where it performs comparably to sodium bicarbonate at correcting low bicarbonate levels, and a potassium citrate/sodium citrate combination has shown promise in reducing urinary oxidative stress markers in mild-stage chronic kidney disease.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 0.3 g/kg body weight for exercise buffering; variable for medical uses
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Good — sodium citrate is rapidly absorbed orally and metabolized to bicarbonate, raising systemic pH. However, its blood buffering effect is weaker and shorter-lived than sodium bicarbonate at equivalent doses.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Contains significant sodium — problematic for people with kidney disease, heart failure, or hypertension who need to restrict sodium intake
- High doses can cause gastrointestinal discomfort; enteric-coated formulations are used in studies to reduce GI side effects
- Can alter electrolyte balance (calcium, potassium, sodium) — relevant for people on medications or with medical conditions
- Used as an anticoagulant in dialysis circuits — medical-grade use is very different from supplement use; do not conflate the two
- Intrathecal (spinal) use of citrate excipients has raised neurotoxicity concerns in drug delivery research — not applicable to oral supplements but highlights that route of administration matters
Products Containing Sodium Citrate
See how Sodium Citrate is used in these analyzed products:
Mary Ruth's Organic Women's Multivitamin Gummies
Supplement
SmartyPants Women's Organic Multi & Omegas
Supplement
Bakline
Supplement
Charlotte's Web Quiet Sleep Mushroom Gummies
Supplement
Hydra-Charge (Hydration Variety Stick Pack)
Supplement
OLLY Daily Energy
Supplement
SmartyPants Adult Fast-Acting Stress
Supplement
OLLY Sleep Blackberry Zen
Supplement
Wild Society Clear Whey Isolate with Electrolytes
Supplement
Goli Nutrition Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies
Supplement
Lemme Chill Ashwagandha Gummies
Supplement
310 Organic Vanilla Shake
Supplement
OMI Hair Growth Peptides Gummies
Supplement
WonderGreens Veggie Gummies
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: 2026-04-08