What Is Citric Acid, and Is It Bad for You?

Citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits, especially lemons and limes. It’s what gives them their tart, sour taste.

A manufactured form of citric acid is commonly used as an additive in food, cleaning agents, and nutritional supplements.

However, this manufactured form differs from what’s found naturally in citrus fruits.

For this reason, you may wonder whether it’s good or bad for you.

This article explains the differences between natural and manufactured citric acid, and explores its benefits, uses, and safety.

What Is Citric Acid?

Citric acid was first derived from lemon juice by a Swedish researcher in 1784.

The odorless and colorless compound was produced from lemon juice until the early 1900s when researchers discovered that it could also be made from the black mold, Aspergillus niger, which creates citric acid when it feeds on sugar.

Because of its acidic, sour-tasting nature, citric acid is predominantly used as a flavoring and preserving agent — especially in soft drinks and candies.

It’s also used to stabilize or preserve medicines and as a disinfectant against viruses and bacteria.

Health Benefits and Body Uses

Citric acid has many impressive health benefits and functions.

Metabolizes Energy

Citrate — a closely related molecule of citric acid — is the first molecule that forms during a process called the citric acid cycle.

Also known as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) or Krebs cycle, these chemical reactions in your body help transform food into usable energy .

Humans and other organisms derive the majority of their energy from this cycle.

Enhances Nutrient Absorption

Supplemental minerals are available in a variety of forms.

But not all forms are created equal, as your body uses some more effectively.

Citric acid enhances the bioavailability of minerals, allowing your body to better absorb them.

For example, calcium citrate doesn’t require stomach acid for absorption. It also has fewer side effects — such as gas, bloating, or constipation — than another form called calcium carbonate .

Thus, calcium citrate is a better option for people with less stomach acid, like older adults.

Similarly, magnesium in the citrate form is absorbed more completely and is more bioavailable than magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate .

Citric acid also enhances the absorption of zinc supplements .

May Protect Against Kidney Stones

Citric acid — in the form of potassium citrate — prevents new kidney stone formation and breaks apart those already formed.

Kidney stones are solid masses made of crystals that typically originate in your kidneys.

Citric acid protects against kidney stones by making your urine less favorable for the formation of stones .

Kidney stones are often treated with citric acid as potassium citrate. However, consuming foods high in this natural acid — like citrus fruits — can offer similar stone-preventing benefits .