Citric acid naturally occurs in citrus fruits. Synthetic versions are produced from a type of mold and are often used as an additive. They can cause adverse reactions in some people.
Citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits, especially lemons and limes. It’s what gives them their tart, sour taste.
A manufactured form of citric acid is commonly used as an additive in food, cleaning agents, and nutritional supplements.
However, this manufactured form differs from what’s found naturally in citrus fruits.
For this reason, you may wonder whether it’s good or bad for you.
This article explains the differences between natural and manufactured citric acid, and explores its benefits, uses, and safety.
What is citric acid?
Citric acid was first derived from lemon juice by a Swedish researcher in 1784.
The odorless and colorless compound was produced from lemon juice until the early 1900s when researchers discovered that it could also be made from the black mold Aspergillus niger, which creates citric acid when it feeds on sugar.
Because of its acidic, sour-tasting nature, citric acid is predominantly used as a flavoring and preserving agent, especially in soft drinks and candies.
It’s also used to stabilize or preserve medicines and as a disinfectant.
Natural Sources of Citric Acid
You can find citric acid naturally in citrus fruits and a few other types of fruit. The juices of these fruits are also good sources of citric acid. Natural sources of citric acid include:2
- Lemons
- Limes
- Blackberries
- Grapefruits
- Oranges
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
Synthetic Sources Of Citric Acid
Scientists often produce citric acid by fermenting the fungi Aspergillus niger and the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. This is considered a manufactured form of citric acid since it doesn’t occur naturally.
You can find synthetic forms of citric acid in prepared foods, beverages, medications, supplements, cosmetics, and cleaning products.
Uses/Applications of Citric Acid
#1. In food & drink.
The most common uses of citric acid are as a preservative and flavouring agent in food and beverages such as soft drinks. Citric acid is used as an emulsifying agent in ice-creams.
#2. As cleaning & chelating agent.
Citric acid is considered as an excellent chelating agent. Limescale is removed from boilers and evaporators with the help of citric acid. Citric acid is used for softening water, which makes it useful in laundry detergents and soaps. It can also be used in shampoo for washing colouring and wax from the hair.
#3. Environmental cleanup products.
Citric acid can safely remove toxins from polluted soil and even clean up nuclear waste.
#4. In cosmetics.
It is used widely as an acidulent in gels, creams and liquids of all kinds.
#5. To cure kidney disorders.
In combination with sodium citrate, acetic acid is used to prevent kidney stones.
#6. Alcohol.
Citric acid can balance out the acid in a food or drink. Winemakers sometimes add it to their products to improve the taste.
#7. Medicines.
Some creams include citric acid to help clear up skin infections. Other citric acid drugs that you take by mouth can lower the amount of acid in your urine. This can help prevent kidney stones. You might also take citric acid for metabolic acidosis, a buildup of acid inside your body.
#8. Supplements.
Some people take calcium citrate supplements, which can help prevent kidney stones.
#9. Personal care products.
When manufacturers mix citric acid with other ingredients, they can form a compound called “alpha hydroxy acid” that helps smooth your skin. It’s also in some cosmetics and toiletries — like lipstick, hair spray, and deodorant — to help them last longer.
#10. Household cleaners.
Because citric acid can eat away at hard water buildup, you’ll often see it in dishwasher detergent. Other household cleaners also include it as an ingredient since it can help remove stains and odors.
#11. Disinfectants.
Since citric acid kills some types of bacteria and viruses, you’ll find it in insect sprays, products that kill fungus or algae, hand sanitizer, and even some tissues you use to blow your nose.
Health Benefits of Citric Acid
Citric acid offers several health benefits, both in its natural and manufactured form.
#1. Promotes Skin Health
You can find citric acid in skincare products like face wash and body soap—and not just because it’s a preservative. Citric acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that can help counter inflammation and signs of aging. It does so by peeling off dead skin cells, which promotes a new generation of skin cells, and in turn, improves skin elasticity.
However, high doses of or prolonged exposure to citric acid could be harmful, causing skin irritation and a greater risk of skin damage from UV rays.
#2. Enhances Nutrient Absorption
Citric acid is added to many mineral supplements to preserve them, balance the pH, and also to enhance their absorption. A few examples include magnesium citrate, calcium citrate, and potassium citrate.
Calcium citrate is one of the most bioavailable forms of calcium, meaning our bodies can absorb it easily. This is helpful for raising calcium levels a nutrient that many Americans don’t eat enough.
Another example is magnesium citrate, which studies have shown is more effective at raising our magnesium levels than magnesium oxide. This form of magnesium is commonly used as a laxative for people struggling with constipation or preparing for a colonoscopy.
#3. May Prevent Kidney Stones
Citric acid may help prevent kidney stones. In people with low urine citrate levels, increasing urinary citrate levels can help prevent stone formation.
This can be achieved by eating more fruits rich in citric acid and low in oxalates such as lemons and limes and by taking alkaline-citrate salts like potassium citrate.
The citrate binds with calcium in your urine to help prevent oversaturated urine. It can also bind calcium oxalate crystals to prevent them from growing and becoming painful kidney stones.
#4. Acts as an Antioxidant
The natural form of citric acid is a known antioxidant. Antioxidants are important because they help reduce oxidative damage to cells, which is linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, and more.
They also counter inflammation in a way that could help support immune health and benefit the brain and liver.
Side Effects of Citric acid
- Taking excess of citric acetate in combination with sodium citrate may lead to kidney failure.
- Taking citric acid with empty stomach may lead to stomach or intestinal side-effects.
- It may also lead to muscle twisting or cramps.
- It can also cause weight gain, swelling, fast heart rate, slow or rapid breathing, etc.