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SupplementScience

Types of Potassium: Forms & Bioavailability

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
Potassium CitrateHighKidney stone prevention and general supplementation — alkalinizing effect benefits urinary pH
Potassium ChlorideHighMost common form in salt substitutes and medical settings
Potassium GluconateHighWell-tolerated form commonly found in OTC supplements16.7% elemental potassium by weight
Potassium BicarbonateHighAlkalinizing form, useful for metabolic acidosis

Potassium Citrate

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Kidney stone prevention and general supplementation — alkalinizing effect benefits urinary pH.

Potassium Chloride

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Most common form in salt substitutes and medical settings.

Potassium Gluconate

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Well-tolerated form commonly found in OTC supplements. Elemental content: 16.7% elemental potassium by weight.

Potassium Bicarbonate

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Alkalinizing form, useful for metabolic acidosis.

References

  1. (). Effect of increased potassium intake on cardiovascular risk factors and disease: systematic review and meta-analyses. BMJ. DOI
  2. (). Potassium intake, stroke, and cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. DOI
  3. (). Potassium-magnesium citrate is an effective prophylaxis against recurrent calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. Journal of Urology. DOI