Sodium Citrate

Also known as: trisodium citrate, sodium citrate dihydrate, E331, SC

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Alkalizing salt used in sports and medicine. Modest evidence for buffering acid during intense exercise.

What it does

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 orally before high-intensity exercise to...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

0.3 g/kg body weight for exercise performance; variable for medical uses
Found in

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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 orally before high-intensity exercise to buffer lactic acid buildup, though research shows it is less effective than sodium bicarbonate for this purpose. In medical settings, it is widely used as an anticoagulant during kidney dialysis (CRRT) and to correct metabolic acidosis in chronic kidney disease patients, where it performs comparably to sodium bicarbonate.

What It Doesn't Do

Not a performance booster on its own — studies show it does NOT improve cycling time trial performance compared to placebo. Won't replace sodium bicarbonate for buffering capacity; bicarbonate consistently outperforms it. Not a kidney disease treatment — it manages a symptom (acidosis), not the underlying disease. No evidence it builds muscle, burns fat, or boosts energy.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Corrects low blood bicarbonate in chronic kidney disease as effectively as sodium bicarbonate.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: Dose adjusted to achieve target serum bicarbonate

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 38457574

Effective anticoagulant during kidney dialysis (CRRT), extending circuit lifespan in critically ill patients.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: Variable infusion doses per clinical protocol

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 39152492 PMID 41054083 PMID 42164366

Potassium citrate/sodium citrate combination reduced urinary oxidative stress markers in mild chronic kidney disease.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: Dose adjusted to achieve urinary pH 6.8–7.2

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 38872014

Raises blood bicarbonate before exercise but does not improve high-intensity performance compared to placebo.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 0.3 g/kg body weight

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 40840560

Absorption & Bioavailability

Good — sodium citrate is rapidly absorbed orally and metabolized to bicarbonate, raising blood pH. However, its buffering effect on blood bicarbonate levels is significantly weaker than sodium bicarbonate at equivalent doses.

Red Flags to Watch For

High sodium content — relevant for people with kidney disease, heart failure, or hypertension who must restrict sodium intake
Citrate accumulation risk in critically ill patients on dialysis — higher doses, high bilirubin, and high lactate increase this risk
Combining with sodium bicarbonate does not appear to enhance performance and may increase gastrointestinal side effects
Not a substitute for sodium bicarbonate in exercise buffering — studies show sodium bicarbonate is significantly more effective at the same dose

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sodium Citrate do?

Alkalizing salt used in sports and medicine. Modest evidence for buffering acid during intense exercise.

What is the effective dose of Sodium Citrate?

0.3 g/kg body weight for exercise performance; variable for medical uses

Is Sodium Citrate safe?

High sodium content — relevant for people with kidney disease, heart failure, or hypertension who must restrict sodium intake

What doesn't Sodium Citrate do?

Not a performance booster on its own — studies show it does NOT improve cycling time trial performance compared to placebo.

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