Citric Acid Health Benefits

Citric acid -- a naturally occurring compound in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit -- boasts several properties that may make it useful as either a treatment for certain medical conditions or as a dietary supplement. Citric acid is an alkalizing agent: It is able to decrease the level of acidity in body fluids. It acts as an anti-oxidant and is also able to chelate -- binding to excess calcium and allowing it to leave the body. Despite its documented health benefits, you should not take citric acid supplements without first consulting your physician.

Anti-oxidant Benefits

As an anti-oxidant, citric acid may be able to neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals, unstable compounds that can accumulate in the body from exposure to toxic chemicals, smoking and even normal cell metabolism. Free radicals can damage cell tissue and DNA and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. The Mayo Clinic website reports that citric acid's anti-oxidant benefits are stronger when the compound is consumed via food and not taken as a dietary supplement.

Kidney Benefits

Citric acid's ability to chelate calcium and its alkalizing properties make it useful as a method for preventing kidney stones. Kidney stones occur when clumps of minerals like calcium build up in the kidneys, causing extreme pain in the back, abdomen or side. Although kidney stones can be caused by accumulations of other substances like oxalate or uric acid, calcium stones are the most common type, and taking a citric acid supplement regularly can decrease the risk for people with a history of calcium stones.

Acid Balance Benefits

Citric acid is used as a treatment for metabolic acidosis, a condition that occurs when the blood becomes overly acidic. Metabolic acidosis can be caused by impaired kidneys, uncontrolled diabetes, prolonged diarrhea, cancer, dehydration, liver failure, excessive alcohol use, poisoning and certain medications like salicylates. Metabolic acidosis may cause fatigue, mental confusion and, if left untreated, death. As a strong alkalizing agent, citric acid can bring the acid down to normal levels.

Considerations

Despite its health benefits, citric acid supplementation can cause a variety of side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. Citric acid supplements should be avoided by those with a history of kidney disease, Addison disease, congestive heart disease, high-blood potassium and ulcers and by women who are pregnant or nursing. Citric acid may interact with aluminum salts, tetracyclines like doxycycline, amphetamines and anorexiants drugs like phentermine. Consult your doctor before taking citric acid supplements.