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It ranks first in the list of acids found in most berries and fruits. Despite its name, it plays a major role in an acidic concert not only of lemons, limes and oranges, but also of a number of other fruits and berries. Citric, malic and quinic acids account for up to 90% of acidity in peaches and apricots.
Today, citric acid, along with glycerin, sugar, acetone and other substances, is among the products that are called in the European Union bulk commodities – they are produced to meet the needs of the global market and in huge quantities.
E330, E331 and E333 – under such names today you can find it in many food products.
A bit of history
For the first time citric acid was obtained in 1784 by the Swedish chemist and pharmacist Karl Scheele from unripe lemons.
Citric acid in our country began to be produced industrially in 1913. For this was used calcium citrate.
Then the world war began, and the enterprises, having lost their raw material base, were forced to close. In the thirties of the last century, attempts were again made to resume the production of citric acid by extracting it from plants, as well as by fermenting sugar.
Citric acid rich foods:
General characteristics of citric acid
Citric acid is a food grade acid. The main sources of citric acid, like other food acids, are vegetable raw materials and products of its processing.
In nature, citric acid is found in plants, various fruits, juices. The taste of fruits and berries is often created by the combination of citric acid with sugars and aromatic compounds.
Citric acid, as well as its salts – citrates, are the main regulators of the acidity of food. The action of citric acid and its salts is based on their ability to chelate metals.
An acid with a pleasant, light taste; used in the manufacture of processed cheeses, mayonnaise, canned fish, as well as confectionery and margarines.
More than a million tons of citric acid are produced annually by fermentation.
Daily requirement for citric acid
A committee of experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the World Health Organization has established an acceptable daily dose of citric acid for humans: 66-120 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
Citric acid should not be confused with ascorbic acid, which is vitamin C.
The need for citric acid increases:
- with increased physical activity;
- when the body is under the influence of extreme external factors;
- with the manifestation of the consequences of stress.
The need for citric acid decreases:
- at rest;
- with increased acidity of gastric juice;
- with erosion of tooth enamel.
Digestibility of citric acid
Citric acid is well absorbed by our body, which is why it has gained great popularity all over the world.
Useful properties of citric acid and its effect on the body
This acid is beneficial for people with kidney problems. It slows down the formation of stones and destroys small stones. It has protective properties; the higher its content in urine, the better the body is protected from the formation of new kidney stones.
This acid occupies a special place in the metabolic process. It is an indispensable intermediate product in providing the body with energy. This acid is found in muscle tissue, urine, blood, bones, teeth, hair, and milk.
Interaction with other elements
This acid contributes to the better absorption of other substances. For example, potassium, calcium and sodium.
Signs of a citric acid deficiency
The desire to eat something acidic in the body signals a lack of acid in the body, including citric acid. With a prolonged lack of organic acids, the internal environment of the body becomes alkalized.
Signs of excess citric acid
An excess of citric acid leads to an increase in the content of calcium ions in the blood. An excess of citric acid can cause burns to the mucous membrane of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, and this can lead to pain, coughing and vomiting.
Excessive consumption of citric acid can damage tooth enamel and stomach lining.
Factors affecting the content of citric acid in the body
Citric acid enters our body with food. It is not produced independently in the human body.
Citric acid for beauty and health
This acid has a healing effect on the scalp, narrows overly enlarged pores. It is helpful to add citric acid to piped water to soften it before rinsing your head. It is an excellent substitute for hair rinses. The following ratio should be applied: one teaspoon of citric acid to one liter of water. Hair will become softer and shine, it will be easier to comb.