organic chemistry ‫سمر صالح عمران‬

?What Is Citric Acid

C itric acid was first derived from lemon juice by a Swedish researcher in 1784

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.
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 against viruses
and bacteria.

Examples of citrus fruits include:

lemons
limes
oranges
grapefruits
tangerines
pomelos

Other fruits also contain citric acid but in lesser amounts. These include:

pineapple
strawberries
raspberries
cranberries
cherries
tomatoes

Food Industry
Manufactured citric acid is one of the most common food additives in the world.

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It’s used to boost acidity, enhance flavor, and preserve ingredients .

Sodas, juices, powdered beverages, candies, frozen foods, and some dairy products
often contain manufactured citric acid.

It’s also added to canned fruits and vegetables to protect against botulism, a rare but
serious illness caused by the toxin-producing Clostridium botulinum bacteria

Citric acid is a compound originally derived from lemon juice. It’s produced today
from a specific type of mold and used in a variety of applications.

While not naturally occurring, citric acid is also a byproduct of cheese, wine, and
sourdough bread production.

The citric acid listed in the ingredients of foods and supplements is manufactured —
not what’s naturally found in citrus fruits

This is because producing this additive from citrus fruits is too expensive and the
demand far exceeds the supply.

SUMMARY
Lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits are the predominant natural sources of citric
acid. Other fruits that contain much less include certain berries, cherries, and
tomatoes.

Artificial Sources and Uses

The characteristics of citric acid make it an important additive for a variety of
industries.

Food and beverages use an estimated 70% of manufactured citric acid,

pharmaceutical and dietary supplements use 20%, and the remaining 10% goes into
cleaning agents.

Food Industry
Manufactured citric acid is one of the most common food additives in the world.

It’s used to boost acidity, enhance flavor, and preserve ingredients.

Sodas, juices, powdered beverages, candies, frozen foods, and some dairy products
often contain manufactured citric acid.

It’s also added to canned fruits and vegetables to protect against botulism, a rare but
serious illness caused by the toxin-producing Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

Medicines and Dietary Supplements

Citric acid is an industrial staple in medicines and dietary supplements.

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It’s added to medicines to help stabilize and preserve the active ingredients and
used to enhance or mask the taste of chewable and syrup-based medications

Disinfecting and Cleaning

Citric acid is a useful disinfectant against a variety of bacteria and viruses

A test-tube study showed that it may be effective in treating or preventing human

norovirus, a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Citric acid is commercially sold as a general disinfectant and cleaning agent for
removing soap scum, hard water stains, lime, and rust.

It’s viewed as a safer alternative to conventional disinfectant and cleaning products,

such as quat and chlorine bleach.
Health Benefits and Body Uses
Citric acid has many impressive health benefits and functions.

Metabolizes Energy
Citrate — a closely related molecule of citric acid — is the first molecule that forms
during a process called the citric acid cycle.