![]() However, consuming foods high in this natural acid - like citrus fruits - can offer similar kidney-stone-preventing benefits ( 3, 24). Kidney stones are often treated with citric acid as potassium citrate. Kidney stones are solid masses made of crystals that typically originate in your kidneys.Ĭitric acid protects against kidney stones by making your urine less favorable for the formation of stones ( 23). May protect against kidney stonesĬitric acid - in the form of potassium citrate - prevents new kidney stone formation and breaks apart those already formed ( 20, 21, 22). Similarly, magnesium in the citrate form is absorbed more completely and more bioavailable than magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate ( 17, 18, 19). Thus, calcium citrate is a better option for people with less stomach acid, such as older adults. It also has fewer side effects - such as gas, bloating, or constipation - than another form called calcium carbonate ( 15, 16). Supplemental minerals are available in a variety of forms.īut not all forms are created equal, as your body uses some more effectively.Ĭitric acid enhances the bioavailability of minerals, allowing your body to better absorb them ( 12, 13, 14).įor example, calcium citrate doesn’t require stomach acid for absorption. Humans and other organisms derive the majority of their energy from this cycle. Metabolizes energyĬitrate - a closely related molecule of citric acid - is the first molecule that forms during a process called the citric acid cycle.Īlso known as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) or Krebs cycle, these chemical reactions in your body help transform food into usable energy ( 11). SummaryĬitric acid is a versatile additive for food, beverages, medicines, and dietary supplements, as well as cleaning and disinfecting products.Ĭitric acid has many impressive health benefits and functions. It’s viewed as a safer alternative to conventional disinfectant and cleaning products, such as quat and chlorine bleach ( 1). Disinfecting and cleaningĬitric acid is a useful disinfectant against a variety of bacteria and viruses ( 7, 8, 9).Ī test-tube study showed that it may treat or prevent human norovirus, a leading cause of foodborne illness ( 10).Ĭitric acid is commercially sold as a general disinfectant and cleaning agent for removing soap scum, hard water stains, lime, and rust. Mineral supplements, such as magnesium and calcium, may also contain citric acid (in the form of citrate) to enhance absorption. It’s added to medicines to help stabilize and preserve the active ingredients and used to enhance or mask the taste of chewable and syrup-based medications ( 6). Medicines and dietary supplementsĬitric acid is an industrial staple in medicines and dietary supplements. It’s also sometimes added to canned fruits and vegetables to protect against botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by the toxin-producing Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Sodas, juices, powdered beverages, candies, frozen foods, and some dairy products often contain manufactured citric acid. It’s used to boost acidity, enhance flavor, and preserve ingredients ( 5). Manufactured citric acid is one of the most common food additives in the world. The characteristics of citric acid make it an important additive for a variety of industries.įood and beverages use an estimated 70% of manufactured citric acid, pharmaceutical and dietary supplements use 20%, and the remaining 10% goes into cleaning agents ( 4). ![]() Other fruits that contain much smaller amounts of it include certain berries, cherries, and tomatoes. Lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits are the predominant natural sources of citric acid. This is because producing this additive from citrus fruits is too expensive, and the demand far exceeds the supply. The citric acid listed in the ingredients of foods and supplements is manufactured - not what’s naturally found in citrus fruits ( 4). ![]() While not naturally occurring, citric acid is also a byproduct of cheese, wine, and sourdough bread production. These include:īeverages or food products that contain these fruits - such as ketchup in the case of tomatoes - also contain citric acid. Other fruits also contain citric acid but in lesser amounts. ![]() In fact, the word citric originates from the Latin word citrus ( 2). Citrus fruits and their juices are the best natural sources of citric acid ( 3). ![]()
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