“What is citric acid?” Citric acid is a naturally occurring compound in citrus fruits. It is mostly found in lemons. It gives citrus fruits their sour taste.
Citric acidIt is also produced artificially. Its artificially produced form is used in foods, cleaning agents, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements. Its artificial form is different from the form found naturally in citrus fruits.
What is Citric Acid?
Citric acid was first obtained from lemon juice by a Swedish researcher in 1784. Because of its acidic, sour taste, citric acid is used in soft drinks, candies, as a flavoring and preservative. To protect drugs, a virus and bacteria It is also used as a disinfectant.
What is citric acid?
What Is Citric Acid?
Citrus and fruit juices are natural sources of citric acid. The fruits with the highest amount of citric acid are;
Limon
Lime
Orange
Grapefruit
Tangerine
Other fruits contain this compound, albeit in small amounts. Other fruits that contain citric acid are:
Pineapple
Strawberry
Raspberry
Cranberry
Kiraz
Tomato
Ketchup and tomato paste made from tomatoes also contain this compound. Although not naturally occurring, it is a by-product of cheese, wine, and sourdough bread.
It is also used in nutritional supplements, but not in the form naturally produced from citrus fruits. The reason it is produced artificially is that it is very expensive to produce from citrus fruits.
The properties of this compound make it an important additive for various industries. The usage areas of citric acid are as follows;
Food industry
The artificial form of citric acid is one of the most widely used food additives. It is used to increase acidity, flavor and preserve food. Carbonated drinks, fruit juices, powdered beverages, candy, frozen foods, and some dairy products contain the artificial form of citric acid.
Medicines and nutritional supplements
Citric acid is an industrial ingredient used in medicines and nutritional supplements. It is added to medicines to help stabilize and preserve active ingredients. Mineral supplements such as magnesium and calcium contain citric acid in the form of citrate to increase absorption.
disinfection
It is a useful disinfectant against various bacteria and viruses. A test-tube study has shown that citric acid may be effective in treating or preventing norovirus, a leading cause of foodborne illness. Citric acid is commercially available as a cleaning agent for removing soap scum, hard water stains, limescale, and rust.
Citric Acid Benefits
Gives energy
Citrate is the first molecule formed during a process called the citric acid cycle. This chemical reaction in our body turns food into usable energy. Humans and other organisms get most of their energy from this cycle.
Increases nutrient absorption
Citric acid increases the bioavailability of minerals. It helps the body absorb them better. gas, bloatingconstipation reduces side effects such as Magnesium in citrate form is better absorbed, providing greater bioavailability than magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate. Citric acid also increases the absorption of zinc supplements.
Citric acid – in the form of potassium citrate – prevents the formation of new kidney stones. It also breaks down previously formed kidney stones. Kidney Stonesare solid masses of crystals, usually originating from the kidneys. Citric acid protects against kidney stones by making the urine less suitable for stone formation.
Prevents inflammation
Citric acid has antioxidant properties and prevents oxidative stress. Studies have also found that citric acid reduces inflammation in the liver due to its ability to prevent oxidative stress.
Has an alkalizing effect
Although citric acid has an acidic taste, it is an alkalizing agent. With this feature, it eliminates the negative effects of acidic foods.
Endothelial function
Some research has shown that citric acid may help improve the function of the endothelium, a thin membrane in the heart. This ability is attributed to reducing inflammation.
Benefits of citric acid for skin
Citric acid is added to some personal care products such as night cream, serum, mask. It has an anti-aging effect. It is an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental damage and oxidative stress.
Citric Acid Damages
Artificial citric acid is generally considered safe. There are no scientific studies investigating the safety of artificial citric acid when consumed in large quantities over a long period of time.
Still, there have been reports of illness and additive allergic reactions. One report noted joint pain with swelling and stiffness. Muscle and stomach pain have been detected. It was determined that four people had shortness of breath after consuming foods containing artificial citric acid.
It is a very rare food allergy. It is also difficult to detect, as citric acid is found in almost every type of processed food on the market. Allergy occurs against the artificial form rather than the natural form.
Citric acid allergy causes symptoms such as mouth ulcers, bleeding in the gut, swelling of the face and lips, and headache.
