Citric Acid

What is Citric Acid?

If you love taking citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines, or certain berries, then you have a good dose of citric acid every day. Citric acid is found naturally in these fruits and berries.

Citric acid has a large number of uses. These include as a flavour in Vitamin C preparations, or the use as a natural cleaner in industrial detergents. It is also used in the preparation of photographs.

The ability of citric acid to bond with other minerals can make it helpful in softening water. Soaps and laundry detergents can be more effective when they contain citric acid. It can work well in shampoos because it tends to remove excess minerals from the water.

Citric acid is a common ingredient in skin masks and some lotions. Vitamin C in general is thought an antioxidant that can help refresh skin and reduce the look of aging by promoting new skin growth and destroying free radicals.

Side Effects and Warnings of Citric Acid

One of the best benefits of citric acid in all its applications is that it is natural and poses little to no risk to the environment. Very few people are allergic to citric acid, but some people may have stomach sensitivity to it, and might better avoid foods containing it.

You should also immediately seek medical care if these side effects become unusual or bothersome.

• stomach ache;
• diarrhoea, constipation, gas; or
• nausea, or vomiting
• wheezing or shortness of breath;
• an unusually slow or irregular heartbeat;
• swelling of the feet and lower legs;
• leg pain or cramping;
• sudden weight gain (more than 2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week);
• chest (heart) pain;
• tremor or muscle twitching
  

You should also be aware of any other drug interactions. Inform your doctor of any other drugs you may be taking to avoid adverse reactions. You should also inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, high blood pressure, Addison's disease, liver disease, heart or lung disease.

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