Urinary citrate inhibits calcium stone formation by complexing calcium in a soluble form and
by effects on urinary crystals to prevent growth to stones. Low urinary citrate has been
recognized for several decades as a contributing factor in some stone forming patients, but
recent studies have elucidated the mechanisms and derangements of the renal handling of
citrate in various conditions. In addition, oral citrate as an alkalinizing agent can not only
increase urinary citrate, but also favorably impact other stone-promoting conditions. This …