What is citric acid, can he eat it? What role does it play in the food industry, and what benefits can citric acid bring to food?

Citric acid (CA), also known as citric acid, with the molecular formula C₆H₈O₇, is an important organic acid. It is colorless crystals, odorless, has a strong acid taste, is easily soluble in water, and is a natural preservative and food additive.

At room temperature, citric acid is a white crystalline powder, odorless and extremely acidic. Citric acid is easily soluble in water. The crystalline form of citric acid varies with different crystallization conditions. It is slightly weathered in dry air, and is slightly weathered in humid air. It is hygroscopic and can be decomposed into various products when heated, and can react with acids, alkalis, glycerin, etc.

Naturally occurring

Natural citric acid is widely distributed in nature. Natural citric acid exists in the bones, muscles and blood of plants such as lemons, citrus, pineapples and other fruits and animals. Artificially synthesized citric acid is produced by fermentation of sugar-containing substances such as sugar, molasses, starch, and grapes.

Many kinds of fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, contain more citric acid, especially lemons and limes-they contain a lot of citric acid, after drying, the content can reach 8% (the content in juice About 47g/L). In citrus fruits, the content of citric acid is between 0.005mol/L for oranges and grapes and 0.30mol/L for lemons and limes. This content varies with the growth of different cultivars and plants

Food grade citric acid

What is citric acid, can he eat it?Citric acid is often added to packaged foods and beverages. It helps keep canned and canned foods fresh for a long time. It can prevent some freshly cut agricultural products, such as apple slices, from turning brown. Citric acid can also help food thicken or make food slightly sour. This is why you may see citric acid listed as an ingredient in some ice creams, smoothies or sodas.

Alcohol

Citric acid can balance the acid in food or drink. Winemakers sometimes add it to products to improve the taste.

Some creams contain citric acid, which helps clear skin infections. Oral other citric acid drugs can reduce the acid content in the urine. This helps prevent kidney stones. You can also take citric acid to treat metabolic acidosis, which is an acid that accumulates in the body.

Some people take calcium citrate supplements, which help prevent kidney stones.

Personal care products

When manufacturers mix citric acid with other ingredients, they can form a compound called “alpha-hydroxy acid” to help smooth your skin. In some cosmetics and cosmetics, such as lipstick, hair, spray and deodorant help them last longer.

Household cleaners

Because citric acid erodes the accumulation of hard water, you will often see it in dishwasher cleaners. Other household cleaners also use it as an ingredient because it can help remove stains and odors.

Disinfectant

Since citric acid can kill certain types of bacteria and viruses, you can find it in insect sprays, products that kill fungi or algae, hand sanitizers, and even some paper towels for blowing your nose.

Environmental purification products. Citric acid can safely remove toxins from contaminated soil and can even remove nuclear waste.

What is citric acid ,can he eat it?There are many reasons for adding citric acid to food, medicine, or other products. it can:

Preserve food

It can keep food fresh for a long time.In some cases, it can prevent food-borne botulism caused by low-acid home canned food.

Save personal care products. It can keep cosmetics and other products fresh for longer.

It has a protective effect on the body. Citric acid used in medicine can kill bacteria and reduce acid in urine.

Remove stubborn stains

Therefore, it exists in cleaning products.

The FDA stated that citric acid is “generally considered safe” in food and skin products. Nevertheless, some experts believe that more research is needed.

Skin irritation. When it touches your skin for a long time, it can cause stinging, swelling or hives.

Eye pain. If it gets into your eyes, it will burn. If this happens, rinse with water for a few minutes. Or if you wear contact lenses, please remove them as soon as possible.

Dental problems. Drinks and sweets that contain citric acid will wear away the enamel (outer layer) of teeth. This will make your teeth more sensitive, yellow, and more prone to tooth decay.

stomachache. If you take a medicine containing citric acid by mouth, you may have side effects such as nausea or vomiting.