Choosing the right supplements can be tricky – there are so many options on the market, and sometimes it’s difficult to find a high-quality product you can trust.
That’s where Theralogix can help. Our products are independently tested and certified for content accuracy and purity, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
And now that you’ve found a trustworthy supplement brand, explaining our products is the least we can do.
We get a lot of questions about the difference between TheraLith XR and CitraLith, our two kidney health supplements. So, if you’ve been wondering, we’re here with the answers.
What are TheraLith XR and CitraLith?
TheraLith XR and CitraLith are formulated to promote healthy urine chemistry and reduce the risk of crystallization.* And although they both contain similar nutrients, there are some key differences that help determine which is the best for you.
Form
- TheraLith XR comes in tablet form with an extended-release coating to minimize stomach upset. Because it has an extended-release coating, we don’t recommend cutting or crushing the tablets.
- CitraLith is available in a powder form to mix with water (or any other hot or cold non-carbonated beverage). This is a great alternative for those who have trouble swallowing pills without cutting or crushing them.
Dosing
TheraLith XR dosing is two tablets, twice a day with meals. Each daily dose provides:
- 360 mg magnesium citrate + oxide
- 198 mg potassium citrate
- 15 mg vitamin B6
CitraLith dosing is one packet, twice a day with meals. We recommend mixing with 10-12 ounces of any hot or cold non-carbonated beverage and drinking slowly over 20-30 minutes – this helps minimize stomach upset. Each daily dose provides:
- 390 mg magnesium citrate
- 400 mg potassium citrate
- 200 mg sodium citrate
- 15 mg vitamin B6
Why these specific nutrients?
- Magnesium: This nutrient helps promote healthy oxalate levels and reduce the risk of calcium oxalate crystal formation.*
- Nutrients with “citrate” (i.e. potassium citrate, magnesium citrate, sodium citrate): These nutrients support healthy urinary citrate levels, which helps inhibit crystallization.*
- Vitamin B6: This nutrient also helps promote healthy urinary oxalate levels to reduce the risk of calcium oxalate crystal formation.*
Citrate Alkali Content
Citrate alkali content affects the ability to change the pH of urine and inhibit uric acid crystallization. This is probably the factor that matters most when you’re choosing between TheraLith XR and CitraLith.
- TheraLith XR contains 12 milliequivalents (mEq) of citrate alkali per daily dose (4 tablets). This dose doesn’t affect urine pH, but it’s still effective to reduce the risk of calcium oxalate crystallization.*
- CitraLith provides 30 mEq of citrate alkali per daily dose (two packets). This higher dose of citrate alkali promotes optimal urine pH and reduces both uric acid crystallization, and calcium oxalate crystallization.*
Which one is right for you?
Ultimately, if you’re looking for support to reduce the risk of uric acid crystallization, CitraLith is the best choice. But if your main concern is calcium oxalate crystallization, either TheraLith XR or CitraLith is a good option. In this case, form may help you choose which you prefer – pills or powder.
It’s always a good idea to speak with your urologist to find out which would be the best fit for you.
Should you take both TheraLith XR and CitraLith?
No. Because TheraLith XR and CitraLith have similar formulations, they’re not meant to be taken together—choose one or the other. Need a quick review of the differences again? Check out this comparison chart.
Keep in mind that TheraLith XR and CitraLith aren’t for general kidney health – they're formulated specifically to promote healthy urine chemistry and help reduce the risk of crystallization.* So, not everyone needs TheraLith XR or CitraLith. Be sure to talk with your urologist to find out if either product may be a good fit for you.