Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsNatural SourcesArtificial SourcesUsesBenefitsRisks
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Is
Natural Sources
Artificial Sources
Uses
Benefits
Risks
Citric acid is an organic compound found in high amounts in citrus fruits, and may help improve skin health and protect against kidney stones and inflammation. Some also believe it can help your body absorb nutrients. In addition to its health benefits, the acid is cleaning products, shampoos, hairsprays, and other cosmetic products.
Naturally produced citric acid is what gives lemons and limes their distinctive sour taste. Many manufacturers add citric acid to packaged foods and beverages to keep them fresh. However, this citric acid is synthetic, unlike naturally occurring citric acid in fruits.
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What Is Citric Acid, and How Is It Used?
In its pure form, citric acid is colorless and odorless but has a strong acidic taste.
Citric acid’s history dates back to 1784 when Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele crystallized it from lemon juice. In 1917, food chemist James Currie discovered that he could produce citric acid using a strain of the black moldAspergillus niger. This method is still in use today.
It is commonly used in food production as a flavor enhancer and preservative. Due to its antioxidant properties, it is also an ingredient in medications to improve stability and act as a preservative.
Is Citric Acid Actually Vitamin C?Although both antioxidants in citrus fruits share similar properties, they are not the same. It’s also important to mention that citric acid does not containvitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid.
Is Citric Acid Actually Vitamin C?
Although both antioxidants in citrus fruits share similar properties, they are not the same. It’s also important to mention that citric acid does not containvitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid.
The richest source of naturally occurring citric acid is citrusfruitsand their juices. Natural sources ofcitric acidinclude:
The following fruits and vegetables contain smaller amounts of citric acid:
Although citric acid can be manufactured from citrus fruits, the process is not cost-effective and, therefore, no longer carried out on an industrial level.
Manufactured citric acid is a common additive in:
What Is Citric Acid Used For?
Citric acid’s unique characteristics make it useful in many applications.
Food and Beverages
Citric acid is the most common additive in the food industry.In addition to preserving a food’s color, texture, and taste, citric acid can increase the acidity of foods. This can help prevent the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungus.
Many canned and jarred foods contain citric acid to prevent the growth ofClostridium botulinum, a dangerous bacterium that can causebotulism, a life-threatening illness.
Manufactured citric acid is used in the preparation of:
Cosmetics and Medications
Citric acid is added to numerous personal care products, including shampoo, hair spray, and cosmetics to help them last longer. It’s also present in many skin care products to help increase skin elasticity and firmness.
Cleaning Products
Citric acid may have some disinfectant properties. Research suggests it effectively protects against many viruses, including thehuman norovirus.
As a metal chelating agent (a compound that binds tightly to metal ions), a citric acid cleaner can effectively remove hard water stains, calcium deposits, rust stains, and soap scum.
Potential Health Benefits
In addition to its traditional uses, citric acid has several other interesting potential health benefits.
Improves Skin Health
Citric acid is analpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). AHAs are chemical exfoliators commonly added to skin care products to help peel away dead skin cells, revealing fresh new skin.
However, high doses may have adverse effects and cause skin irritation.
Protects Against Kidney Stones
Citric acid, aspotassiumcitrate, can often treat or prevent chronickidney stones. It helps increase urine citrate to avoidcalciumstones and decrease urine acidity, preventinguric acidand cystine stones.
You may also want to try consuming citrus fruits or diluted lemon juice concentrate as a natural remedy for stone prevention.
Increases Nutrient Absorption
Another study noted that calcium citrate is the most easily absorbed calcium supplement. You can also take it on an empty stomach because its absorption does not require stomach acid.
Protects Against Inflammation
Improves Endodontic Treatments
A review of 37 in vitro studies and two randomized controlled trials found citric acid was effective at cleaning and disinfecting root canal walls when combined with manual digital activation (MDA). The review also concluded citric acid is beneficial in regenerative endodontic procedures (replacing damaged pulp tissue with viable tissue to restore normal function).
What Are the Risks of Citric Acid?
Citric acid is a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) food additive.Though research hasn’t established a link between citric acid created from black mold, many worry that it may cause allergies, respiratory problems, and chronic diseases.
Some people have reported increased inflammatory symptoms after consuming foods or medications with manufactured citric acid. However, more research is necessary to determine the presence or absence of harm.
Aspergillus nigeris a known allergen. Therefore, you may react to foods containing citric acid if you have amold allergy. The sugar used to produce citric acid often comes from corn, so you may also react to citric acid if you have acorn allergy.
The high acid content of natural and manufactured citric acid may erode tooth enamel over time, especially if you don’t practice good dental hygiene.
Skin products with citric acid may irritate some people, particularly those with sensitive skin.
Summary
Citric acid is an organic compound naturally found in citrus fruits. Manufactured citric acid, created from a type of black mold, is one of the most common additives in the world. It is found in everything from foods to dietary supplements and cleaning agents. Though citric acid is considered safe, it may trigger a reaction in those with allergies.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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