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Initially, sodium citrate was used exclusively in medicine as an anticoagulant used in blood transfusions. And only after a couple of decades it was found that the substance has the characteristics of a stabilizer and emulsifier. This was the beginning of the use of sodium citrate in the food industry.
Basic properties
Sodium citrate is better known in the industry as additive E331. The main purpose of using this food concentrate is to prevent the appearance of bitterness in products and to stabilize the color. This additive does not belong to the category of toxic, does not have a negative effect on the body and does not cause allergic reactions.
But we can talk about the safety of the E331 additive only in case of strict observance of the norms for its consumption, as well as following the instructions for working with sodium citrate. For example, if small particles of a substance enter the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, local allergic reactions are possible, therefore, in production, all manipulations with E331 are performed using protective equipment.
The appearance of sodium citrate is a white crystalline powder, which is quite soluble in water. Solubility in alcohol is below average.
In the food industry, sodium citrate dihydrate is used in most cases. Since the substance is added to food in small doses, it is not necessary to say that the emulsifier is harmful to the human body. To date, there is no clearly established daily intake of this food concentrate, since there are no data on the occurrence of side effects from its use.
Undesirable symptoms may occur during therapy with drugs based on this substance. This is due to the fact that it is included in the composition of medicines in much larger proportions.
Getting into the blood, sodium citrate penetrates into all organs and systems, and can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
Three types of sodium citrate are used in the food industry – 1-, 2- and 3-substituted.
Method for obtaining a nutritional supplement
Under the additive E331 is meant 1-substituted sodium citrate, which is obtained by excluding Na from the composition, followed by crystallization.
The resulting substance has a pronounced sour-salty taste and is used to improve the taste of food products.
For example, sodium citrate is widely used in the confectionery industry as an acidity regulator for jelly and marmalade.
Effects on the body
In general, products with high acidity can cause internal foci of inflammation, while alkali acts in the opposite direction – drowning out inflammatory processes. Therefore, it is very important to consider the pH level of each product in order to take care of your own health.
Under normal conditions, our blood has an alkaline pH. To maintain an optimal balance, you should build your daily diet so that the proportion of alkaline foods is 75%.
| The share of alkaline foods in the daily diet | The proportion of acidic foods in the daily diet |
|---|---|
| 75% | 25% |
Sodium citrate, entering the body, reacts with lymph, blood alkali and bile. Subject to the acid-base balance, the body copes with the processing of substances. But in case of a significant excess of the acid components, not all of them can be neutralized with alkali. In such a situation, there is a violation of metabolic processes in the body, which may be accompanied by such unpleasant symptoms as swelling of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, headaches, neuralgic disorders, loss of appetite
Speaking about the issue of the benefits and harms of sodium citrate, it should be remembered that negative consequences arise only in the event of a significant excess of the consumption of the substance in comparison with alkaline components.
Food industry application
In the food industry, sodium citrate is used as:
- acidity regulator;
- flavor enhancer;
- emulsifier;
- food seasoning that improves the organoleptic characteristics of the product;
- cheese maker.
All three main types of sodium citrate are used in the food industry. The most concentrated is 2-substituted. This substance has the form of a white powder with fairly large crystals, it dissolves well in water.
3-substituted sodium citrate is also called citric acid – because of the pronounced sour taste. That is why sodium citrate solution is a common ingredient in lemon-flavored drinks and sodas.
Most often, this food additive is used in the manufacture of food products with a low proportion of solids – these are yoghurts, canned fruits, processed cheeses, baby food, confectionery, etc.
In dairy industries, it is sodium citrate that is used as a preservative in the pasteurization of milk – since this substance is suitable for prolonged heating and does not harm the body.
Sodium citrate dihydrate is an antioxidant and acidity stabilizer that prevents the onset of an oxidation or decomposition reaction. This substance is present in significant proportions in citric and ascorbic acids. It is used not only in the food industry, but also in cooking, confectionery and even in the home kitchen. For example, a small pinch of sodium citrate greatly increases the speed of whipping ice cream or cream. Due to its harmlessness, this component is found not only in sauces, drinks and confectionery, but also in baby food and milk powder.
The definition of “food additive E331” often scares consumers, causing thoughts about the detrimental effects on the body. In fact, it does more good than harm. Once in the body, the substance acts as a powerful antioxidant, freeing the blood from free radicals. Moderate use of sodium citrate is indicated for chronic kidney disease, heartburn and hangover.