KetoCitra is a non-prescription medical food specifically designed for the dietary management of individuals with chronic kidney disease - including the genetic form polycystic kidney disease - and other conditions managed by the ketogenic diet
KetoCitra is intended for mild to moderate CKD stages 1-3. However, KetoCitra may still be appropriate for individuals with stages 4 or 5 as determined by your health care practitioner.
Julie has polycystic kidney disease. Let her tell you about her experience with KetoCitra.
Many more testimonials here:
BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate) is a ketone that supports a state of therapeutic ketosis. This is a metabolic state that occurs when fat is burned for energy instead of glucose. The BHB delivered with KetoCitra® is intended to support the dietary management of cellular metabolic abnormalities in kidney disease. BHB also has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects.
Research at the University of California Santa Barbara discovered that nutritional interventions that promote the metabolic state of ketosis can slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and that supplementation with BHB mimics these effects.
The ketone body, BHB, in KetoCitra® supports a state intended to mimic the beneficial effects of fasting or a ketogenic diet. Over-the-counter BHB products contain sodium and other unnecessary additives and fillers that may be harmful to the kidneys. In contrast, KetoCitra® is kidney-safe.
Citrate is the alkaline form of citric acid.
Individuals with kidney disease often have abnormally low levels of citrate in their urine (hypocitraturia) and are therefore at much higher risk for forming damaging micro-crystals and kidney stones. These micro-crystals can cause new cysts to form and worsen kidney disease progression.
KetoCitra® contains citrate which helps to normalize urine citrate levels to decrease the chances of developing damaging crystals and kidney stones, which can make disease progression worse.
KetoCitra® contains a special blend of kidney-friendly electrolytes, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which serve several functions.
Potassium, magnesium and calcium are essential minerals and most people do not get enough of them with their food leading to relative deficiencies.
These minerals are formulated to deliver an alkaline base load intended to support the balancing of urine pH. Individuals with kidney disease usually have urine that is too acidic which increases the risk of forming damaging microcrystals and stones in the kidneys. KetoCitra helps to normalize the urine pH.
The calcium and magnesium in KetoCitra help to bind the food-derived renal stressors oxalate and inorganic phosphates. This neutralizes them and inhibits their absorption into the body so that they cannot damage the kidneys.
Potassium in KetoCitra helps to balance sodium from food which helps to ameliorate problems with high blood pressure.
KetoCitra is sodium-free and sugar-free, and contains no harmful additives, colorings, artificial flavors, or fillers. All ingredients in KetoCitra are GRAS (generally recognized as safe) as required by the FDA for medical foods.
Healthcare practitioners and patients should carefully read the latest package insert for directions for use, warnings and contraindications prior to using this product. KetoCitra® is intended for individuals with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD stages 1-3). Individuals with more advanced-stage kidney disease may still benefit from KetoCitra if determined by their healthcare practitioner.
KetoCitra is not intended for individuals at risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), or those with severely impaired renal function or impaired electrolyte homeostasis.
KetoCitra® can be taken by itself without any other changes to the normal diet. However, it is recommended to use KetoCitra® as part of an overall nutritional management program in conjunction with sensible dietary changes under medical supervision. Here is a detailed video that explains how to get the most out of your KetoCitra: [Video]
UCSB research has shown the potential of nutritional interventions that promote ketosis in slowing down chronic kidney disease progression.
Therapeutic Ketosis: BHB supports a state of therapeutic ketosis, shifting the body's metabolic preference from glucose to ketones, which can have a beneficial effect on kidney disease.
Alternative Energy Source: Kidney cysts thrive in the presence of glucose, but BHB offers an alternative energy source, potentially starving these cysts of the glucose they need to grow.
Mimic Fasting Benefits: The presence of BHB in KetoCitra® aims to replicate the positive effects seen during fasting or when following a ketogenic diet, both of which can slow the progression of kidney disease.
Safe for Kidneys: While many over-the-counter BHB products contain sodium and additives that may harm the kidneys, KetoCitra® is designed to be kidney-friendly and sodium-free, ensuring a safe way to harness the benefits of BHB.
Evidence-Based: Research from the Weimbs Lab at UCSB has shown the potential of dietary interventions that promote ketosis in slowing down chronic kidney disease progression.
Look up research publications here.
KetoCitra® is a medical food for the nutritional management of individuals with chronic kidney disease, including the genetic form polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and other conditions managed by the ketogenic diet.
As a medical food, KetoCitra® must be taken under medical supervision. Work with your healthcare practitioner to find out if KetoCitra® is right for you.
