Citric acid is a natural molecule that you can use as a primer, and it is commonly found in citric fruits. Its mass-produced form adds flavors and enhances different types of products. Food manufacturers generally rely on the fungus known as aspergillus niger to produce citric acid. It delivers the same profile for the nutrients at a less cost for consumers. When they hear about the word “fungus,” some people become immediately concerned. However, you need to know that not all fungi are harmful to our health.
You can even use citric acid products to create a refreshing taste that even adds a fruity touch. In case you are concerned about citric acid, you don’t have to. It is quite the opposite of your concerns because it has various health benefits. Read on to learn how it is made, where it is used, and its benefits. Then, depending on the same, you can decide if the citric acid is worth worrying about.
What do you mean by Citric Acid?
Everyone knows that citric acid is an organic acid that occurs naturally, and you can even find it mainly in citrus fruits. Wider products also contain citric acid, and it combines acidity that works great to prevent the microbe’s growth. It even prevents a sour yet tangy taste.
Citric acid is undoubtedly unknown to the human body, and depending on your body weight, there is some amount of citric acid even in your blood. It works great in converting food energy into cellular energy through a well-known process, the citric acid cycle. Along with its major role in producing energy, liquid citric acid food grade even improves the absorption of calcium and magnesium that happens through the gut. The same property for mineral-binding works great to prevent calcium crystals from further formation.
Citric Acid: History and Production
In 1784, a well-known English scientist first discovered citric acid in lemon juice. His name was William Scheele. Further, in 1917, the American chemist James Currie made an enormous discovery that was a surprise for everyone involved in citric acid extraction. He fed sugar to the strain of fungus, and as a result, a lot of citric acids popped out. Compared to the one extracted from the fruit, citric acid generated with Currie’s method was a lot cheaper and more efficient. Today, the industry extracts more than a million tons of citric acid yearly, and the wider production of citric acid is still a similar molecule (C6H8O7). It is the same as it is in the lemons and limes, and citric acid production is not even that complicated.
Products Containing Citric Acid
Depending on the food type, you will find the citric acid, usually in –
- Soda
- Juice
- Candy
- Citrus Fruits
- Ice Cream
- Frozen foods
- Other foods that come packed
Citric acid works great for improving mineral absorption
You must have seen the dietary supplements that are in the form of citrate, and among them, the most common ones are potassium citrate, calcium citrate, and magnesium citrate. The formulation is not an accident, but the citrate, which you call citric acid, enhances a mineral’s absorbability when combined with ions such as calcium, magnesium, etc. In other words, you can absorb it better. The same is true when you want to buy liquid citric acid, and here are some examples that highlight the same –
- When anyone drinks Sudachi juice, which is high in citric acid with a high calcium seafood dish, they mainly absorb and retain more calcium and magnesium as compared to the non-Sudachi controls.
- When fed with citric acid, Rats absorb maximum calcium and phosphorus into their bones.
- The citric acid in human breast milk enhances iron absorption.
