PotassiumDoes potassium help bones?
Updated 9 Nov 2026
Short answer
Potassium citrate and bicarbonate lower calcium loss in urine, but have not clearly raised bone density. In a 2015 review of 14 studies, potassium citrate and potassium bicarbonate lowered calcium and acid in urine and a marker of bone breakdown (NTX). They did not change bone density.[1] Single trials disagree. In 201 healthy adults over 65, 60 mEq of potassium citrate a day for 2 years raised spine density by 1.7% more than placebo. It also lowered a predicted fracture risk score (FRAX). Both groups also took calcium and vitamin D.[2] In 276 women aged 55 to 65, 2 years of potassium citrate did not change bone turnover or density.[3]
Sources (3)
- The effect of supplementation with alkaline potassium salts on bone metabolism: a meta-analysis. Lambert H, Frassetto L, Moore JB, Torgerson D, Gannon R, Burckhardt P, et al. Osteoporos Int, 2015. PMID 25572045
- Effect of potassium citrate on bone density, microarchitecture, and fracture risk in healthy older adults without osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial. Jehle S, Hulter HN, Krapf R J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2013. PMID 23162100
- Effect of potassium citrate supplementation or increased fruit and vegetable intake on bone metabolism in healthy postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. Macdonald HM, Black AJ, Aucott L, Duthie G, Duthie S, Sandison R, et al. Am J Clin Nutr, 2008. PMID 18689384
More about potassium
What is potassium?Which foods contain potassium?What is potassium used for?What happens if you do not get enough potassium?Is potassium safe?Why do potassium supplements contain only 99 mg?For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.