Citrate

Citrate is an organic acid that plays important roles in energy metabolism and bone health. Blood citrate levels reflect metabolic function and can indicate metabolic disorders or mineral imbalances. Citrate is also critical for preventing kidney stone formation—low citrate increases stone risk while adequate levels provide protection. Testing is sometimes ordered to evaluate kidney stone formation risk, assess metabolic acidosis, or investigate abnormal mineral metabolism. Citrate supplementation is occasionally used therapeutically to prevent recurrent kidney stones, making baseline measurement useful for treatment monitoring.