What Consumer Products is Citric Acid In?

Citric acid is commonly confused with ascorbic acid. While both come from citrus fruit, ascorbic acid contains vitamin C and citric acid does not. Citric acid is used as a food preservative, flavor ingredient, pesticide and fungicide. It is also an active component in cleaners that target rust, soap scum and calcium deposits in dairy and food processing operations

Soft drinks and beverages account for more than half of the world demand for citric acid according to information provided by the European Citric Acid Manufacturers Association. Citric acid imparts a tangy, zesty flavor reminiscent of citrus and tropical fruit.

Lemon and lime juice are rich in citric acid. According to an analysis reported in the February, 2009 issue of the "Journal of Endourology", lemon juice contains 1.44 grams per ounce and lime juice contains 1.38 grams per ounce. Liter for liter lemon and lime juice has more citric acid than orange juice.

Sugar-free, home canning recipes contain citric acid. P. Kendall, a Colorado State University Extension foods and nutrition specialist and professor says, sugar-free canning methods call for the fruit to be preserved in a solution containing citric acid, ascorbic acid and water. This solution helps the fruit retain its natural color and prevents it from darkening and turning brown. Purchase this sugar-free canning ingredient at the store, pre-mixed.

Some pesticides registered for commercial and residential use contain citric acid as their active ingredient. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the first pesticides containing citric acid appeared on the market in the early 1970's. Citric acid, found naturally in soil and water, degrades readily in soil, water and sewage treatment systems. Because of these properties, it falls into a special category of pesticides, exempt from EPA toxicology and environmental generic data requirements. Although the EPA has not received reports from the use of citric acid, it is a known eye and skin irritant.

The normal range for citric acid in urine is 320-1240 milligrams per 24 hours, according to Medline Plus, a U.S. National Institutes of Health Website. Doctors employ this test, involving only normal urination, to diagnose renal tubular acidosis and perform an evaluation of kidney stone disease. Health conditions that decrease the citric acid in urine include diabetes and chronic kidney failure. Factors that increase urine citric acid levels include estrogen therapy, vitamin D and a high carb diet.

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References:

European Citric Acid Manufacturers Association: Soft Drinks and Beverages

Pub Med Central: Quantitative Assessment of Citric Acid...

Colorado State University Extension: Food Preservation without Sugar or Salt

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Citric Acid

Medline Plus: Citric Acid Urine Test