Some also believe it can help your body absorb nutrients.
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.
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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.
This method is still in use today.
It is commonly used in food production as a flavor enhancer and 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.
Natural Sources
The richest source of naturally occurring citric acid is citrusfruitsand their juices.
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.
The remaining 10% is in cleaning products and detergents.
This can help prevent the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungus.
It’s also present in many skin care products to help increase skin elasticity and firmness.
Citric acid can improve the palatability of medications by masking the bitter taste of active ingredients.
Cleaning Products
Citric acid may have some disinfectant properties.
Research suggests it effectively protects against many viruses, including thehuman norovirus.
Improves Skin Health
Citric acid is analpha-hydroxy acid (AHA).
Low concentrations of citric acid may help improve skin tone and texture and unclog pores by promotingcell turnover.
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 anatural remedyforstone prevention.
Increases Nutrient Absorption
Citric acid is often added to minerals to help improve their absorption.
Magnesium citrate is made by combining citric acid with magnesium oxide.
Studies have foundmagnesium citrateis absorbed better than magnesium oxide and magnesium chelate.
Another study noted that calcium citrate is the most easily absorbed calcium supplement.
Protects Against Inflammation
Naturally occurring citric acid is an antioxidant.
This means it can help protect your cells from damage sparked by free radicals.
Antioxidants also help protect againstinflammationand signs of aging.
What Are the Risks of Citric Acid?
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.
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.
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.
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