Citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits as well as in certain plants. The uses of citric acid include as a commercial food flavoring agent, as a food preservative and as an ingredient in fertilizers and cleaners. It's a common ingredient found in many different types of soda, canned goods, sweets and cheeses.
Function
Citric acid is found in high concentrations in citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes and oranges. It has several commercial purposes, including as food preservative, flavoring and as an ingredient in some types of cleaners and fertilizers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, citric acid is an active ingredient in many pesticide products; it's effective at killing bacteria, mildew, fungi, some viruses; and it helps to remove dirt and soap scum.
Allergies
It is possible to suffer from citric acid intolerance, although this condition is quite rare, according to citric acid expert Vicky Clarke. If your doctor diagnoses you with citric acid intolerance, you need to avoid many foods and drinks, including most soft drinks, jams/jellies, canned tomatoes and fruits, fruit-flavored sweets, berries, cheese, sourdough breads and anything sweetened with citrus fruit juice. Symptoms of a citrus acid allergy include stomach discomfort, diarrhea and related stomach and intestinal issues.
Benefits
The main benefit that citric acid offers when compared to other chemicals is that it is an all-natural weak organic acid. Not only is an all-natural product of fruits and plants, but it is generally safe to use and handle. Citric acid is an ideal natural preservative that can keep foods fresh longer than they could stay fresh naturally. Used as a flavoring in soda and other fruit-flavored sweets, citric acid is an inexpensive, all-natural way to increase the flavor of the product without sacrificing safety.
Warning
Although citric acid is generally recognized as safe, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, citric acid can be a severe eye irritant and moderate skin irritant. Wear goggles and rubber gloves when handling highly concentrated products such as some cleaning/disinfecting products for the kitchen and bathroom.
Expert Insight
Consumption of fruits and fruit juices high in citric acid might help patients suffering from calcium urolithiasis -- kidney stones in the urine caused by calcium deposits -- by inhibiting the formation of these crystals in the urinary tract. A 2008 study conducted by experts at the University of Wisconsin and Wake Forest University concluded that drinks containing a high concentration of citric acid tended to decrease the formation of kidney stones in patients. Lemon and lime juice contain the highest concentration of citric acid at 48 and 46 grams per liter, respectively.
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