Citric Acid

Citric Acid is one of the most popular food additives, and yet, so little is publicised about this ingredient. Knowing more about the health effects of such a popular food additive is vital.

Citric Acid is an acidic, natural compound that occurs in most citrus fruits. Some fruits, like lime, are so sour that they might contain as much as 8% of Citric Acid in their dry weight.

However, in modern times, it is synthesised at an industrial scale. However, this does not alter its properties, as its structure is similar to natural Citric Acid. The industry has produced Citric Acid since the early 20^th century. Hence, nowadays, almost all the Citric Acid sold in the market is synthetic and is produced industrially. However, this does not mean it has no role in health, as synthesized Citric Acid is equally good and thus widely used as an ingredient in food, medicine, chemicals, and other industries.

Citric Acid is known to be a bioenhancer for natural extracts. Citric Acid plays a crucial role in the extraction process of food items and herbs. For example, when making extract of medicinal mushrooms, Citric Acid aids in breaking down the mushrooms' cell walls, facilitating the release and extraction of beneficial compounds. Moreover, Citric Acid serves as a natural preservative, enhancing the shelf life of the extract and preventing spoilage.¹

One of the things important to understand is that Citric Acid is very versatile. Thus, it can be used to produce many beneficial chemicals. Even in humans, it plays a vital role. For example, the Citric Acid cycle is the fundamental way of energy production in animal cells, including humans.

Health Benefits of Citric Acid

This widely used organic compound has many health benefits, such as:

Antioxidant Properties

Citric Acid is quite beneficial for health. It enhances food flavour. However, it also reduces the risk of various chronic health issues. Therefore, its regular intake reduces inflammation, helps improve heart health, improves insulin sensitivity, and more. It means that consuming Citric Acid in small amounts is highly beneficial for health.²
Enhances Mineral Absorption

It is well-known that consuming acids in small amounts is good for digestive health. This explains the many health benefits of vinegar and other acidic food additives. Further, higher gastric acidity is associated with better mineral absorption. It means that consuming Citric Acid with foods results in greater absorption of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and more. Hence, consuming Citric Acid in small amounts means better bone health, higher energy levels, and better overall health.²

Kidney Stone Prevention

Citric Acid is quite good for preventing kidney stone formation. It is known to work in two ways. Firstly, Citric Acid increases urine production, having a mild diuretic effect. Secondly, it binds with urinary calcium and thus helps prevent calcium stones. Almost 60% of all kidney stones are calcium stones.³
Supports Liver Health

The Liver is the chemical factory of the body, and thus, it is highly prone to oxidative stress. Citric Acid consumed orally may neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress; therefore, it can help protect the liver. It means that it also has a role in detoxification and may reduce liver inflammation and DNA damage. Hence, it may even lower the risk of liver cancer.⁴
Energy Production

Citric Acid plays an important role in converting carbs, fats, and proteins to energy. Consequently, it boosts mitochondrial energy production. Studies also show low citric production in those living with chronic fatigue. All this means that consuming Citric Acid along with other health supplements may result in greater energy production.⁵
Brain Health

The human brain is one of the most energy-hungry organs. It consumes massive amounts of energy produced by the body. About one-fifth of all the energy produced by the body is used by the brain. This also makes the brain prone to oxidative stress and inflammation. Further, brain disorders like dementia and mood issues like anxiety and depression are rising globally. It is quite likely that regular consumption of Citric Acid may benefit brain health. Studies show that Citric Acid can lower inflammation and oxidative stress.⁴

Humans have consumed acidic foods for a long time, including foods rich in Citric Acids. Foods containing Citric Acid have been in high demand all over the world. Citric Acid can boost health in many ways. In fact, new studies show that it is more beneficial for health than imagined earlier.

Citric Acid Side Effects

Citric Acid is so important in cellular energy production, and since it is even naturally produced in the human body, it is not likely to cause any side effects. Citric Acid rich food or citrus fruits might cause allergies, but such reactions are due to other organic compounds and have nothing to do with Citric Acid. Thus, one can regularly and safely consume Citric Acid in small amounts to enhance health and well-being.

Properties

Antioxidant²
Anti-Inflammatory²
Bioenhancer¹
Brain Function / Neuroprotective⁴
Cancer prevention⁴
Demetia Prevention⁴
Diuretic³
Energiser⁵
Enhances Mineral Absorption²
Kidney Support³
Liver Health⁴
Oxidation Reduction⁴

References