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Citric Acid

Citric Acid

Aid Overall Health

Citric acid is a compound derived from citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, grapefruit and limes. It has many uses as a food preservative and ingredient to add a sour taste to foods. 

Citric acid is also added to nutritional supplements and health supplements as it is one of the key elements in the body’s processes of turning food into energy.  As citric acid is a naturally occurring element and approved as a food additive, there are few side effects associated with taking a supplement that contains citric acid as recommended.

Citric acid is found in canned goods, candy, soda and fruit drinks, ice cream and the cooking additive ‘sour salt’ or ‘lemon salt.’ It is often used as a preservative in canning or freezing foods.

Citric Acid will not build up in your system and is easily eliminated from your body. However, as it is a weak acid, it can cause skin and eye irritation in its pure, crystalized form.

Citric acid is added to supplements that help to cleanse the colon, as a diuretic, as a preventative to scurvy, as a blood anticoagulant and to treat kidney problems such as kidney stones.   

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Summary

Citric Acid History Citric acid was first discovered by the alchemist Jabir Ibn Hayyan in the 900s, among other compounds. It was isolated in 1784 from lemons by a Swedish chemist. Citric acid was later derived from various molds in the late 1800s. Production of citric acid went full s... more

Citric Acid History

Citric acid was first discovered by the alchemist Jabir Ibn Hayyan in the 900s, among other compounds. It was isolated in 1784 from lemons by a Swedish chemist.

Citric acid was later derived from various molds in the late 1800s. Production of citric acid went full scale by Pfizer during World War I.

Citric Acid and Metabolism

Your body follows a series of chemical reactions to turn food into energy. Citric acid is required in these chemical processes, called the Krebs cycle, which turns food into the energy molecules that your body’s cells needs to function. This cycle is also referred to as the citric acid cycle.

Citric Acid in Foods

Citric acid is a naturally occurring compound found in a variety of foods. It can be found in many vegetables and fruits.

Lemons and limes carry the greatest amounts. Citric acid is also used in many foods and foodstuffs as a natural preservative.

Citric acid will reduce the rate of food spoilage as well as help to retain color and taste. It is also added to foods and to prepared dishes to add a sour taste.

Citric Acid Side Effects

Some people are allergic to citric acid and should not take it as a supplement. Usually allergic reactions include redness or tingling in the skin of the face.

Consult with your doctor about any suspected allergic reactions to citric acid. Check with your doctor if you experience more severe reactions to citric acid such as diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomach, hives or trouble breathing or swallowing.

Citric Acid Interaction With Medications

It is always necessary to consult with your physician before starting any new supplement, drug or medication, but citric acid should not be used if you take any of the following:

  • Aluminum salts: citric acid can increase the chance of aluminum toxicity
  • Appetite suppressors: citric acid increases the effects of the drugs
  • Bronchial dilators: the effects of medications such a pseudoephedrine or albuterol can be increased with citric acid
  • Lithium: citric acid can decrease the effectiveness of this medication
  • Antibiotics: the effectiveness of some antibiotics is reduced with citric acid

Citric Acid and Medical Conditions

Check with your doctor before using citric acid if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Allergies to citric acid
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • High blood pressure
  • On a sodium-restricted diet
  • Kidney disease
  • Heart disease
  • Mineral imbalances
  • Toxemia

Citric Acid and Your Colon

As citric acid helps the body to turn food into fuel, it also helps to create oxygen for your body’s use. This oxygen has been shown to support the cleansing of an impacted colon.

Citric acid will help to clean out the mucous created by the colon to protect it from irritants such as pesticides, preservatives and additives from food and other chemicals in the environment. Studies have found that oxygen-based cleansers work better at cleaning the colon than traditional methods such as enemas or laxatives.

Other Uses of Citric Acid

Citric acid is also used as a natural cleaner. It is effective in removing hard water stains and as a mild antibacterial solution or astringent.

It is also commonly found in hair care products that are used to strip buildup from the cuticle. Citric acid is also found in many bath salts and bath products.

Citric Acid and Cancer

While citric acid is a required element in the Krebs cycle, it has no association with cancer other than the coincidence that the German word for cancer is ‘krebs.’

How to Take Citric Acid

You should always follow any supplement or health aid dosage instructions. Citric acid is sold in its crystal form and is readably soluble in water, but it is already a part of many foods and ingested substances.

It is unnecessary to take an additional amount of pure citric acid unless prescribed by a doctor. For any supplement, follow the manufacturer’s directions as well as your doctor’s instructions.

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Other

  • Side Effects
  • Other Names
  • Uses
Allergic Reaction
Contraindicated For Certain Medical Conditions
Contraindicated For Certain Drugs Or Medication
Contraindicated During Pregnancy
Acidos Alfa-Hydroxi, AHA, Alpha Hydroxy Acides, Alpha-Hydroxyethanoic Acid, Apple Acid, Citric Acid, Dihydroxysuccinic Acid (Tartaric Acid), Gluconolactone, Glycolic Acid, Hydroxyacetic Acid (Glycolic Acid), Hydroxycaprylic Acid, Hydroxypropionic Acid, Hydroxysuccinic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Mixed Fruit Acid, Monohydroxysuccinic Acid (Malic Acid), 2-hydroxypropionic acid (Lactic Acid)
Anti-Coagulant
Colon Health
Diuretic
Kidney Health
Kidney Stone Prevention
Energy