Citric Acid (Citrate)

Urine
Optimal Result: 320 - 1240 mg/24 hr.

In a StoneRisk Diagnostic Profile, citric acid is one of the parameters measured to assess an individual's risk of developing kidney stones. Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in various fruits, particularly citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. It plays a vital role in kidney stone formation and prevention.

Here's how citric acid is relevant in a stone risk profile:

→ Inhibiting Stone Formation: Citric acid acts as an inhibitor of kidney stone formation. It works by binding to calcium ions in the urine, preventing them from crystallizing and forming solid deposits. This inhibitory effect helps reduce the risk of calcium-based kidney stones, such as calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones.

→ Maintaining Urine pH: Citric acid contributes to maintaining the urine's pH at a level that discourages the formation of stones. A more acidic urine pH is generally less conducive to stone formation, particularly for certain types of stones.

→ Promoting Solubility: Citric acid increases the solubility of various minerals in urine, making it less likely for minerals to precipitate and form crystals or stones.

A low citric acid level in the urine can indicate a reduced ability to inhibit stone formation, potentially increasing the risk of kidney stone development, especially calcium-based stones. Conversely, higher citric acid levels are generally associated with a lower risk of stone formation.

A stone risk profile typically measures various other parameters as well, including calcium, oxalate, phosphate, uric acid, and more, to provide a comprehensive assessment of an individual's risk for kidney stones. The results of these tests help healthcare providers understand the underlying factors contributing to stone formation and guide preventive strategies and treatments accordingly.

References:

Zuckerman JM, Assimos DG. Hypocitraturia: pathophysiology and medical management. Rev Urol. 2009 Summer;11(3):134-44. PMID: 19918339; PMCID: PMC2777061.

Curhan GC, Taylor EN. 24-h uric acid excretion and the risk of kidney stones. Kidney Int. 2008 Feb;73(4):489-96. doi: 10.1038/sj.ki.5002708. Epub 2007 Dec 5. PMID: 18059457.

Chow K, Dixon J, Gilpin S, Kavanagh JP, Rao PN. Citrate inhibits growth of residual fragments in an in vitro model of calcium oxalate renal stones. Kidney Int. 2004 May;65(5):1724-30. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-1755.2004.00566.x. PMID: 15086911.

Nicar MJ, Skurla C, Sakhaee K, Pak CY. Low urinary citrate excretion in nephrolithiasis. Urology. 1983 Jan;21(1):8-14. doi: 10.1016/0090-4295(83)90113-9. PMID: 6823713.

What does it mean if your Citric Acid (Citrate) result is too low?

Low urinary citrate excretion is a known risk factor for the development of kidney stones. Hypocitraturia, generally defined as urinary citrate excretion less than 320 mg (1.67 mmol) per day for adults, is a common metabolic abnormality in stone formers, occurring in 20% to 60%.

A low citric acid (citrate) level in a Stone Risk profile urine test can have several implications, especially in the context of kidney stone formation. Citric acid plays a crucial role in preventing the formation of certain types of kidney stones. Here's what a low citric acid level might indicate:

→ Increased Risk of Kidney Stones: Citric acid is a natural inhibitor of kidney stone formation. It helps prevent the crystallization of calcium salts (such as calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate), which are the primary components of most kidney stones. When citric acid levels are low, the risk of these types of stones forming increases.

→ Altered pH Levels: Citric acid also contributes to maintaining the urine's pH at a level that discourages the formation of stones. Low citric acid levels may lead to a more alkaline urine pH, which can facilitate the precipitation of certain minerals and promote stone formation.

→ Underlying Medical Conditions: Low citric acid levels can be associated with certain medical conditions, such as metabolic disorders, renal tubular acidosis, or malabsorption syndromes. Identifying the underlying cause of low citric acid levels may be important for addressing kidney stone risk.

→ Diet and Hydration: Dietary factors can influence citric acid levels in the urine. Low citric acid levels may be related to inadequate consumption of citric acid-containing foods (e.g., citrus fruits) or insufficient fluid intake. Dietary modifications and increased hydration may be recommended.

→ Medications: Some medications can affect citric acid levels in the urine. Certain medications, such as potassium citrate, are sometimes prescribed to increase citric acid levels in individuals at risk of kidney stones.

Note: It's essential to interpret the results of a stone risk profile urine test in consultation with a healthcare provider, as they can consider your medical history, symptoms, and other factors to provide a more accurate assessment of your kidney stone risk and guide appropriate management. If you have concerns about your citric acid levels or kidney stone risk, please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.

 

 

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