Effects of potassium citrate and Crystal Light lemonade on kidney stone risk factors

Assessing the Effects of a Commercial Lemonade Beverage and Potassium Citrate on Urinary Stone Risk Factors

Not applicable Interventional Northwestern University · NCT05389995

This study tests if potassium citrate and Crystal Light lemonade can help people with a history of kidney stones lower their risk of forming more stones.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthwestern University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05389995 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of potassium citrate, Crystal Light lemonade, or a combination of both on urinary stone risk factors in individuals with a history of kidney stones and low urinary citrate levels. Participants will be required to complete three 24-hour urine collections and adhere to the experimental protocol. The study aims to determine whether these interventions can effectively alter urinary conditions that contribute to stone formation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 18-80 with a history of kidney stones and low urinary citrate levels.

Not a fit: Patients with severe hypocitraturia, uncontrolled diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or other specified exclusions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new dietary approach to reduce the risk of kidney stones in susceptible patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with potassium citrate in managing kidney stone risk, indicating that this approach is supported by existing research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Men and women between age 18-80 years
2. Willing to follow experimental protocol
3. Willing to complete 24-hour urine collections (three total)
4. Willing to sign the informed consent form
5. Completed Litholink Collection with blood work with results

   a. hypocitraturia OR aciduria i. Hypocitraturics must meet definition of \< 450 mg/day for men \< 550 mg/day for women.

   b. Low urine pH must be less than 5.6 c. potassium, BUN, creatinine, eGFR and hemoglobin A1c within normal limits

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with severe hypocitraturia \< 200 mg/day (men or women)
2. Patients with hyperkalemia, uncontrolled diabetes, chronic kidney disease, adrenal insufficiency, delayed gastric emptying (or drug induced delayed gastric emptying), peptic ulcer disease, or active UTI
3. Patients with distal renal tubular acidosis or medication induced RTA (e.g. carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, topiramate)
4. Members of vulnerable patient populations
5. Allergies to ingredients in crystal light
6. Patients lacking decisional capacity

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Kidney Stone
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.