Citric acid

Citric acid is used in the food industry and in cooking primarily as a preservative. It also gives food and beverages a sour taste and can help intensify other flavours in products - food-grade citric acid.

In the food industry, it is also used as a stabiliser to maintain the quality and consistency of certain products, as a flavouring and acidity regulator - citric acid acidifier. It also has antioxidant properties, which means it can offer a certain degree of protection against damage caused by free radicals. Citric acid can also regulate the pH of certain products, including cheese and pastries.

Citric acid also has health benefits - it protects skin health, promotes the absorption of nutrients such as magnesium and iron, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is also used in the cosmetics industry as a stabiliser and pH regulator and in the cleaning industry due to its ability to remove certain residues, stains and limescale deposits.

Citric acid is generally considered safe in moderate amounts. However, it is contraindicated in cases of allergies or intolerances. It can also aggravate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and kidney disease. Some medications may be affected by citric acid, which can increase or decrease their absorption and metabolism.

Citric acid is generally safe during pregnancy in moderate amounts. However, in excess or in large amounts, it can aggravate certain symptoms such as gastric reflux or heartburn, which are quite common during pregnancy.

Citric acid may interact with certain medications – it may affect their absorption, distribution or metabolism. For example, it may interact with medications for high blood pressure and heart disease, antibiotics (may reduce the effectiveness of treatment), anticoagulants (may affect their absorption), medications for allergies or colds, and some mineral supplements. Talk to your doctor about the medicines you are taking and how they may be affected by certain foods or substances.

Citric acid is generally safe when consumed in moderate amounts. In some cases, however, it can cause stomach discomfort and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract (heartburn, bloating, flatulence), erosion of tooth enamel, and some people may develop intolerance or allergy to citric acid. It can also intensify symptoms of gastric reflux and heartburn.

Citric acid in its pure form is odourless and colourless, with a sour taste and in the form of small, water-soluble crystals. It can be purchased both online and in pharmacies and shops, such as Kaufland citric acid or Auchan citric acid. Anhydrous citric acid or citric acid monohydrate are available in different weights, depending on the manufacturer.