How is citric acid used

Antioxidant Antioxidants , which are derived from citric acid, can help keep food edible over a longer period of time. For example, sprinkling lemon juice, which contains citric acid, over apples or bananas can help prevent them from turning brown. Ascorbic acid , better known as Vitamin C, is also found in citric acid and is often used to help protect and preserve soft drinks and meats.

Cleaning products Citric acid may be added to commercial cleaning products , as it can help remove hard water build-up on dishes and glassware. Some commercial products that contain citric acid are water-based and can cause corrosion on metals. To minimize and prevent rust, dry the metal after cleaning it. Black mold efficiently converts sugars into citric acid and its fermentation also is generally recognized as safe by FDA under its Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Because excessive amounts of citric acid may cause tooth enamel to dissolve overtime, the Academy of General Dentistry states that foods containing citric acid should be consumed in moderation and recommends rinsing the mouth after eating or drinking food and beverages that contain citric acid.

Another option is to use a straw when drinking beverages that contain citric acid. It can also be beneficial to drink water and eat less acidic foods , such as nuts, bananas and cheese, when consuming foods that contain citric acid. Citric acid occurs naturally in lemons, limes, pineapples, grapefruits, berries not blueberries , tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, and some varieties of peppers.

Citric acid is used in insecticides and disinfectants to help destroy bacteria and viruses. As a result, skin does not bounce back the way it used to, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. They usually emerge in places where the skin moves a lot, such as around the eyes and forehead.

AHAs increase the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans , a type of complex carbohydrate that plays a role in cell hydration and communication. They also thicken the skin, which helps prevent new fine lines from appearing. Learn more about AHAs. Citric acid has a pH level of between 3—6. This means it is a relatively weak acid. The pH scale spans 0—14 , with 7 being neutral. Items that are 0 are very acidic such as battery acid , and those that are 14 are very basic such as liquid drain cleaner.

In cleaning products, citric acid kills any bacteria or virus that cannot survive at its pH of 3—6. It can also help prevent viruses such as the human norovirus , commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, from passing between people.

By binding to receptors where the virus usually attaches, it prevents it from taking hold. This helps prevent transmission and reduces the worsening of a norovirus infection. Much of the citric acid used in commercial products is MCA, which comes from the fungus Aspergillus niger.

This fungus, also known as black mold, is a known allergen. This does not mean that MCA is black mold, and most people will have no adverse reactions to it. But if someone has a genetic predisposition to a black mold allergy, ingestion of MCA may lead to harmful inflammatory responses.

These could include joint pain, muscle pain, and digestive issues. Additionally, both natural and synthetic citric acid can harm teeth. Ingesting a sizeable amount of citric acid may damage tooth enamel over time. After eating or drinking products high in citric acid, a person should rinse their mouth to protect their teeth. People using citric acid in skin care should also be careful, as high concentrations applied to the skin may cause irritation.

Citric acid is a naturally occurring acid with a pH of 3—6. Manufacturers use a synthetic form of citric acid, called MCA, in many commercial products. This is created from black mold and can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Manufacturers also use this versatile acid in food preservation. Although it is generally safe to use, people with sensitive skin or allergies may wish to avoid citric acid or use it in small quantities. Lemons and limes have very similar health benefits and nutritional profiles. This article looks at the benefits and uses of these citrus fruits. Many modern chefs also swear by it, as it enables them to fine tune their dishes and balance off any unwanted naturally occurring sweetness.

Preservatives The acidity of citric acid makes it an excellent food and drink preservative. The presence of acid in an environment inhibits the growth of bacteria; so many long life products contain it. These include preserves, canned goods, meats, savory snacks and sweets. Citric acid can also be used to prevent fresh fruit and vegetables from oxidizing and turning brown, which is great for chefs when preparing and presenting fresh dishes.

Stabaliser Citric acid is used throughout the dairy industry, in particular, within cheese production and processing. The acid helps to create the perfect environment for stabilisation of emulsions.

Including preventing fats from separating. It can also be used to adjust the pH of both beer and wine solutions during manufacture. Antioxidant The use of citric acid in processed frozen foods and as an additive in some fats and oils enhances the action of antioxidants, which effectively reduces the deterioration rate of these products.