What is the role of citrate in preventing kidney stones?

Citrate plays a significant role in preventing the formation of kidney stones, particularly calcium-based stones. One of its key functions in the urinary system is to inhibit stone formation. It does this in several ways, primarily by binding to calcium in the urine. When citrate binds to calcium, it keeps calcium in solution and prevents it from crystallizing, which could contribute to stone formation.

Additionally, citrate increases the pH of urine, making it more alkaline. This higher pH helps reduce the risk of calcium phosphate stones and alters the saturation levels of certain stone-forming substances. The presence of citrate also affects the growth of crystals, making it less likely for these crystals to aggregate and develop into larger stones.

Thus, having sufficient levels of citrate in the urine can significantly lower the risk of developing kidney stones, making its role in stone prevention crucial.