Potassium Citrate Market: Increasing Cases of Chronic Diseases

Potassium citrate, typically known as tri-potassium citrate, is a composition of citric acid and potassium salt. The manufacture of this compound is mainly done through neutralizing citric acid using potassium carbonate or potassium bicarbonate followed by crystallization. This compound is extensively used as an additive for food and its effectiveness in enhancing bone and heart health at the same time has been proven. It is also used for renal tubular acidosis, which is a condition associated with kidney stones. This electrolytic substance helps regulate nerve as well as muscle functions through potassium citrate

In addition to that, it helps the human body to balance urine pH levels with its alkalizing properties. Thus, it follows that increased demand for processed foods and the resulting expansion of the processed food industry will drive growth in potassium citrate on a global scale. Population growth; urbanization; industrialization; and rising consumer preference for non-GMO potassium citrate products is some of the expected catalysts for market expansion. The unique features of potassium citrate like high solubility in water; excellent biodegradability; good chemical stability and microbiological stability have increasingly contributed towards its demand.

Further, in the medical field, potassium citrate is used as an antacid, protein supplement, electrolyte restorer, and excipient. It is expected that the increase in personal health care consumption among working professionals will prompt antacid and supplement manufacturers to penetrate new markets. The increasing prevalence of problems like heart failure with fluid retention or peripheral oedema will probably lead to increased use of such medicines. Potassium carbonate and citric acid are among the frequently utilized starting materials for manufacturing potassium citrate which have high water solubility and buffer effectively against alkalinity. diuretic in clinical medicine because of its ability to reduce body fluids without loss of potassium.

The increasing incidence of diseases such as oedema and congestive heart failure is likely to lead to an increased demand for diuretics For instance, citric acid is an essential component of the food and beverage industry, personal care products, detergents, cleaning agents etc. The manufacturers of potassium citrate will face major challenges while other related industries experience high demands for these raw materials.

Global Food Grade Trends

Since potassium citrate is just as effective as sodium citrate, it is frequently used in its place. Foods that require less sodium are prepared using potassium citrate. A diet high in salt increases the risk of a heart attack. While the recommended daily intake of sodium for Americans is 1,500 mg, most of them take in almost twice that much, or 3,400 mg. By consuming more potassium in the diet, health problems brought on by sodium can be avoided. Due to people globally taking up healthy eating habits and opting for non-fattening items instead; therefore, food producers are advised to utilize potassium citrate which is more nutritious than the rest. In oral rehydration solutions where sodium bicarbonate and potassium chloride should have been used, potassium citrate salt takes over its role.

End Use Case

With increasing health awareness and growing concerns regarding the adverse effects of high sodium intake, manufacturers are seeking sodium-free substitutes for sodium-containing additives, and one of the best examples is potassium citrate. Potassium citrate is a multi-purpose substance that has various applications in food and beverage products like taste improvement, acid-controlling agents and food preservation. Potassium citrate has been rapidly adopted in the food and beverage sectors due to increased consumer preference for natural and clean-label components. More consumers are examining labels closely looking for products with well-known natural components easily recognizable by them. The naturally occurring potassium citrate from citrus fruits or made through fermentation processes fits into this modern trend by meeting consumer expectations of clearer food formulations that are easy to understand.

Apart from being used as a flavouring agent or preservative, potassium citrate possesses additional beneficial qualities. The texture, stability as well as length of life that this compound achieves brings about a much more satisfied clientele together with a greater level of quality in products. It also fits into sport drinks and other functional beverages based on the fact it can serve as an electrolyte; this satisfies the increasing need for healthier drink choices from health aware individuals including those who are into fitness activities.

Market Dynamics and Drivers

People who suffer from long-term renal illness are more likely to die from heart trouble because that is their top cause of demise. According to pre-existing studies, deaths from heart disease amongst dialysis patients are 10-20 times higher than those found in the overall populace. Heavy metals, poisonings and HIV infection can also contribute towards chronic renal infections together with diabetes mellitus hypertension, and increased heart attacks. For instance, in the US, an estimated 805,000 people suffer a heart attack annually. Of these, 200,000 have already experienced a heart attack, and 605,000 are experiencing their first one.

Figure 1:  Percentage of Cardiovascular Diseases, United States

Source: American Heart Association

Furthermore, cats with kidney disease are being accepted for a clinical trial at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine that will evaluate the efficacy of supplementing with potassium citrate and gluconate in treating metabolic acidosis. This data may be utilized in the future to direct specific treatments for cats with CKD and improve their quality of life.

Key Developments

• In March 2023, Advicenne, a speciality pharmaceutical business committed to the research and marketing of new therapies for patients suffering from uncommon renal illnesses, announced that Sibnayal®, a ready mix of potassium citrate and potassium bicarbonate, is reimbursed in Denmark. Advicenne and FrostPharma, Nordic and Baltic partners, have achieved significant success with the permitted commercialization of Sibnayal®.
• In January 2023, The American cosmetic company Neutrogena Corporation and the gummy vitamin manufacturer Nourished collaborated to launch The Ageless Skinstack, a customized 3D-printed nutritional supplement for good skin. The market potential in this industry is expanded by the use of potassium citrate as a crucial component in product formulation.