Urinary citrate is a major inhibitor of kidney stone formation due in part to binding of calcium in urine. Low urine citrate levels are considered a risk for kidney stone formation.
Low urinary citrate promotes kidney stone formation and growth, and is subject to therapy by correcting acidosis, hypokalemia, or hypomagnesemia by altering diet or using drugs such as citrate and potassium.
Normal range for all age groups is > 600mg/24 hrs
