Citric acid is perhaps the most popular food additive, which can always be found in almost every home. Many housewives know a variety of ways to use this substance for various other household purposes (besides cooking). However, its properties are so diverse and amazing that it is worth telling about it in more detail.
General characteristics and formula
The chemical name of the substance will probably seem difficult to pronounce to a non-specialist. Try this without prior training:“two-hydroxy-one-two-tri-propanetricarboxylic acid” or, when visiting, ask your neighbor to give you THIS to add to okroshka. By the way, the English version sounds much simpler: “citric acid”.
The formula of the substance looks no less impressive: HOOC-CH2-C(OH)COOH-CH2-COOH or (HOOCCH2)2C(OH)COOH or, simplified, C6H8O7. For those who remember even a little school chemistry lessons, it is clear from this formula that we're talking about about organic matter. Three carbon atoms, six oxygen atoms and three hydrogen atoms in it form three carboxyl groups (COOH), that is, we are talking about a tribasic carboxylic acid.
However, for the purposes of our article, it is not the names and formulas that are interesting, but, first of all, physical properties of this substance.
Did you know? The substance received its name due to the fact that it was first isolated from the juice of unripe lemons. We owe this important discovery for all mankind, which was made back in 1784, to the Swedish chemist and pharmacist Karl Scheele.
Everyone knows what the substance looks like. It is a white crystalline powder. In dry form, it has a melting point of +153 °C, its density is 1.542 g/cm3.
It is perfectly soluble in water, even at room temperature 132 g of the substance can be dissolved in 100 ml of water, in addition, it dissolves well in ethyl, methyl and propyl alcohol, hydrogen fluoride, formic acid, diethyl ether, dioxane, dimethyl sulfoxide. Insoluble in chloroform, toluene, carbon disulfide, benzene.
At a temperature of +175 °C, the substance forms aconitic (A) and acetone dicarboxylic (B) acids in the mixture, and upon subsequent heating - itaconic acid(it is formed due to the removal of one hydrogen particle).
During dry distillation, decarboxylation of the substance occurs (elimination of carbon dioxide and evaporation of water), resulting in the formation of acetone and anhydrides of itaconic and citraconic acid, and when calcined with alkali, salts of oxalic and acetic acid.
Citric acid salts(citrates) are formed by replacing hydrogen with the acyl residue RCO.
Due to the remoteness of the extreme carboxyl groups from each other, the substance does not actively enter into various chemical reactions, and is therefore considered a weak acid.
Sources of citric acid
Considered organic matter It is quite widespread in nature, and it is found not only in lemons, where its amount can reach 8%, but also in other citrus fruits.
In addition, citric acid is also found in:
- (tomatoes, artichokes, some varieties of peppers);
- berries (almost all except blueberries:);
- pine needles, Chinese lemongrass, cotton and shag. Interestingly, it is also present in the tissues of many protozoa.
Important! The sour taste of most vegetables and fruits is given not by citric acid, but by ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
It should be said that earlier (until the 20s of the twentieth century), the organic supplement, however, was obtained mainly from lemons. However, this method is quite expensive: in order to obtain 100 kg of the substance, you need to process at least four tons of valuable citrus fruits.
Therefore, today it is synthesized artificially. To do this, sugary substances, waste from sugar production, are artificially infected with a special mold fungus of the genus Aspergillius niger (for convenience, very often such production is carried out directly at sugar factories).
What are the benefits of the supplement?
Citric acid as a food additive has many beneficial properties. Like , this substance is the strongest natural substance and, therefore, helps strengthen protection against negative factors external environment. In moderate doses, it does not affect the mucous membranes digestive system, but it perfectly stimulates its work, in addition, it promotes the elimination harmful substances, free radicals, salts and other nasty things (including alcohol toxins, which is why it is used for hangover syndrome), inhibits the development of atypical cells and even improves vision.
Once in the stomach and absorbed into the blood, the acid has a stimulating effect on the work of all metabolic processes, which is why it is often used in various techniques fast and healthy weight loss.
Men will be interested to know that this dietary supplement helps improve sperm quality and, accordingly, makes pregnancy more likely. By the way, a mother expecting the birth of a baby, on the contrary, should refrain from consuming citric acid, especially if pregnancy is accompanied by heartburn, nausea, pressure surges and allergic dermatitis.
Areas of application of E330
In industry, citric acid known as food additive E330(officially registered food symbol).
Did you know? Interestingly, in the 70s of the last century, the food additive E330 was included in the so-called Villejuif list as a substance hazardous to health (carcinogen). Undeserved accusations against it were finally dropped only twenty years later, and until that moment, all of civilized Europe and even many states in Africa and the Middle East considered it poison.
Fortunately, today doubts have been completely dispelled, and the organic substance E330 is successfully used not only in food industry and in everyday life, but even in cosmetology and medicine.
In medicine
The ability of the food additive E330 to improve energy metabolism has been found practical application in the pharmaceutical industry.
Sodium salt citric acid(sodium citrate, official symbol E331) is a proven remedy for stabilizing blood reserves, as well as for the treatment of cystitis. The same drug is used during laboratory tests blood to determine the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Traditional medicine recommends using a 30% solution of citric acid to gargle for sore throat. As alternative method You can also use regular lemon, you just need to chew it slowly and swallow it with your head thrown back. The antioxidant and bactericidal properties of the acid will help speed up the healing process.
In cosmetology
Organic substance E330 is an essential ingredient in a huge number of cosmetic products.
One of the reasons for such popularity of the supplement- its ability to regulate the pH level in the product. Thus, in addition to the general improvement of the functional effect of cosmetics, a preservative effect is also achieved.
Important! According to regulations in certain countries, E330 may not be included in a product if it is used solely as a pH adjuster. Thus, when using our favorite cosmetics, we may have no idea that citric acid is present in it.
However, in cosmetology this acid also performs many other functions. It helps whiten the skin, expand its pores, and exfoliate dead epidermal cells. Being a natural component, the substance very rarely causes intolerance and other negative reactions. Antioxidant properties help smooth out wrinkles and overall effect rejuvenation
IN detergents ah E330 promotes better foaming, and in hair dyes it increases color saturation.
No less popular in cosmetology and various derivatives of citric acid, its salts and esters (diammonium citrates, etc.). Esters, due to the formation of a thin protective film on the skin, ensure the preservation of its moisture, due to which they are often added to moisturizing creams. But, for example, an ester such as tributyl citrate is used even in plastic surgery.
When combined with certain minerals, E330 also forms substances having an astringent effect(acne treatment, care for oily and combination skin), ensuring fixation of a cosmetic product when sprayed (hairspray), preventing the formation of tartar (additives in toothpastes), regulating acid-base balance etc.
In homemade beauty recipes, acid was found no less wide application, than in professional cosmetology. With its help, cleansing, degreasing and lightening of the skin is carried out, including from various age spots. Adding the substance to hand baths helps strengthen nail plate and provides nutrition to the skin. In hair masks, acidic crystals are needed to add shine and silkiness (for this purpose, you can simply rinse your hair with water and lemon juice).
In dietetics
The use of citric acid for weight loss is usually motivated by its ability to burn fat. In fact, this is nothing more than a myth.
Important! Citric acid does not burn fat, but only speeds up metabolic processes.
However, the dietary supplement still has nutritional properties. By stimulating metabolism, accelerating blood flow and removing excess salt and liquid from the body, the substance improves the quality of the digestive system, and increasing the viscosity of saliva helps reduce appetite.
However, citric acid-based diets should be approached with great caution. because if used incorrectly it can:
- cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the throat and digestive system;
- lead to dehydration and drying out of the body;
- provoke the occurrence of ulcers and even oncological diseases gastrointestinal tract.
In everyday life
Acidic crystals are great for removing scale from dishes, which is why many housewives use this product to clean teapots and pots. A small amount of water is poured into the bottom of the container (the contaminated surface should be completely covered), then 30 g of acid is added. The dishes are placed on the fire, the water is brought to a boil and drained. The bottom remains mirror clean, and all the scale goes away along with the water.
Important! If you add a little substance to a vase of water before placing a bouquet in it, the cut flowers will remain fresh much longer: the acid will kill microbes, “preserve” the stems and additionally nourish them.
This product is also used for cleaning washing machines and irons.
Contraindications and harm
Like any other acid, the E330 additive is not completely harmless, however, the danger is fraught with, first of all, its misuse and overdose.
Initially, the mucous membranes suffer from the excess of the substance. Symptoms of an overdose of citric (as well as ascorbic) acid are:
- severe pain and cramps in the abdomen or stomach;
- cough;
- nausea and vomiting, sometimes with blood;
- diarrhea (in severe cases - with bloody spots);
- swelling;
- increased sweating;
- loss of appetite;
- increased fatigue;
- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes;
- frequent urination;
- increase in body temperature;
- headaches;
- increased blood pressure;
- change emotional state from nervousness and anxiety to weakness and apathy.
Important! Theoretically, an overdose of citric acid can lead to fatal outcome. So, lethal dose The drug for rats and mice is considered to be 6-7 g of the substance, and 20 g of the additive can kill an adult.
Long-term uncontrolled use of citric acid can, in addition, lead to the destruction of tooth enamel.
Even in moderate quantities, the additive can cause harm to people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in stage of exacerbation, it is especially dangerous when.
So, citric acid is an excellent helper in solving everyday problems, it is very widely used in cooking and cosmetology, and is also used in medicine and dietetics. To ensure that this substance does not cause harm, you just need to follow the usual precautions and avoid overdosing when using the supplement.
There are so many goodies on supermarket shelves! And what a gorgeous look the baked goods, delicious marmalade, fragrant jams, chocolates, etc. have! True, only a few products per modern market are manufactured without the addition of well-known food additives: E330, E200, E600, etc., each of which has a special effect on the human body.
Food additive E330: main properties
Thus, E330 or citric acid is used in food production in order to regulate the level of acidity, replace salt. In addition, thanks to it, the color of the product is recorded, because of its appetizing nature, many people take this or that product. Moreover, it helps stabilize the taste of sausages, ham, etc. But its properties do not end there. E330 is actively used as a substance that protects any product from negative influence particles of heavy metals decomposing in them.
Application of E330, citric acid:
- baby food;
- chocolate products;
- canned and fruits;
- peeled frozen vegetables;
- semi-finished products;
- soft wheat pasta;
- jam;
- marmalade
Effect of E330 on the human body: positive aspects
Due to the fact that citric acid has valuable antioxidant and bactericidal properties, it has beneficial influence on cellular respiration of the body. In addition, it participates in the renewal of every cell, which has a positive effect on appearance skin: the number of hated wrinkles is noticeably reduced, thereby increasing the elasticity of the dermis.
Moreover, E330 removes waste and toxins that are so harmful to the body through the pores.
An important advantage of this supplement is 
her active participation in all metabolic processes. This suggests that it gives the body part of the energy necessary for normal functioning.
Harm E330
In everything there is dark side. This also applies to the food additive citric acid. If you don’t know the golden mean in its use, E330 can play the role of a toxin and impair the absorption of beneficial microelements.
It's important to remember that daily dose of this substance ranges from 60 to 115 mg per kg of body weight. The harm of the E33 food additive is that if you exceed it, you can not only “get”, but also provoke irritation of the gastric mucosa, which can lead to not only terrible pain, but also bloody vomiting.
Citric acid is an antioxidant (otherwise known as an antioxidant) and is of natural or synthetic origin. Salts and esters of citric acid are called citrates. When heated above 175 °C, it decomposes into and. Chemical formula C6H8O7.
General characteristics
E330 Citric acid is a tribasic carboxylic acid. Looks like small white crystals, the substance has good solubility in and (calorizator). Shows weak properties of the acid itself. The taste is purely sour, not astringent. Participates in metabolism in the body.
Swedish experimental chemist Karl Scheele, famous for the discovery many organic and inorganic substances, he was the first to obtain citric acid from the end of the 18th century. Subsequently, they learned to produce citric acid from shag leaves and juice, and not just from unripe ones. Currently, new methods have emerged for obtaining the food additive E330 Citric acid - biosynthesis of sugar and mold fungi, synthesis chemicals and plants.
Benefits of Citric Acid
Antioxidants, one of which is E330, are involved in the process of cell renewal, thereby slowing down the aging process and having positive influence per condition skin, increasing their elasticity. Also, E330 Citric acid is capable of removing toxins and waste through skin pores and has a bactericidal effect.
Harm E330
Citric acid in pure form and in large quantities may cause burns upon contact with skin, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. Therefore, when working with the E330, you should exercise caution and strictly follow the safety instructions.
Where is Citric Acid Found?
Natural suppliers of acid are citrus fruits, especially unripe ones, shag, pine needles, some berries,.
Application of E330 in the food industry
The main application of E330 is the production of bakery and confectionery products, drinks, including dry ones. E330 together with () is a well-known one that gives butter dough fluffiness and airiness. It is used in production as a color fixative.
Application of E330 in other industries
In addition to the food industry, Citric acid is used:
- In medicine - to improve energy metabolism,
- In construction - as an additive to cement,
- In cosmetology - as an ingredient effervescent products for baths,
- In the oil industry - as a drilling fluid neutralizer.
Use of Citric Acid in the Household
At home, it is used in cooking, for domestic purposes for maintaining household, for cosmetic home treatments for skin and hair care.
Universal household chemicals that can be used in a wide variety of household sectors. For example, for cleaning scale in a kettle, for cleaning the iron from scale inside, for cleaning silver, for cleaning household surfaces, for preserving cut fresh flowers, for caring for plants, etc.
You need to fill it with water, add 30-50 grams of citric acid and boil. Drain the water and rinse the kettle. If the scale has been there for a long time or there is too much of it, then you can first leave the citric acid with water in the kettle for an hour, and then boil and rinse.
Dissolve 25-30 grams of citric acid in a glass of water and pour into a water tank. Press the steam button at maximum power and temperature. Then repeat this procedure several times with clean water.
It will be enough to dissolve 1 teaspoon of citric acid in a glass of water and put given capacity in a microwave oven. Turn on the oven for 5 minutes at maximum power. After turning off, wait another 5-10 minutes for the dirt to soak better, then open the door and clean the walls with a clean damp cloth. The essence of the cleansing process with citric acid is that under its influence, all the dirt existing on the walls gets wet, as a result of which it can be removed without any effort.
Use of E330 in Russia
Throughout the territory Russian Federation and Ukraine, the use of the food additive E330 is permitted, because its safety for human health has been confirmed by all organizations that control production food products.
Food antioxidant E330 Citric acid or Citric Acid is a substance that belongs to organic acids. Get it like out natural ingredients, and artificially. As a rule, citric acid can be found in nature in pomegranates, cranberries, pineapples, citrus fruits, tobacco plants, and pine needles. Thanks to the pronounced sour taste and other characteristic properties of food antioxidant E330 Citric acid is easily recognizable and recognized as a natural preservative.
Externally, this additive is represented by crystalline powder white, which is easily soluble in both water and alcohol. However, the food antioxidant E330 Citric acid is not soluble in diethyl ether. This substance begins to melt when heated to 153 degrees, and when increased temperature regime up to 175°C E330 decomposes into two elements - carbon dioxide and water.
The food antioxidant E330 Citric acid was first obtained in 1784 by Karl Scheele, a scientist from Sweden. After it began to be produced in large quantities, this substance acquired the status of an essential additive in the food industry.
In many areas of human life, properties are very important food antioxidant E330 Citric acid as a preservative, acidity regulator and at the same time a flavoring agent. It occupies a worthy niche in industrial production food products, cosmetics, chemical cleaners and detergents, as well as medical supplies. Many drinks, juices, sweet and confectionery, baked goods - in the composition of these products you can often find the food antioxidant E330 Citric acid.
The field of cosmetology is also unthinkable without the use of E330, in which this substance is actively added as an acidity regulator to creams, hair sprays and gels, foams, shampoos, lotions and bath foams. Oil workers, in turn, use citric acid in the process of drilling both oil and gas wells.
The benefits of food antioxidant E330 Citric acid
The benefits of the food antioxidant E330 Citric acid for human health are obvious, since this substance has a positive effect on the body. In addition, this acid takes part in many vital metabolic processes, as well as carbohydrate metabolism. That is why the use of E330 is permitted in all countries of the world.
However, the benefits of the food antioxidant E330 Citric Acid do not turn out to be possible harm, it should be used in moderation. For example, citric acid concentrate in contact with eyes and skin can cause severe chemical burns or even loss of vision. And if too large doses of E330 are consumed with food, the tooth enamel begins to suffer first of all - the threat of caries arises.
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Citric acid is a chemical constituent of many plants. Most of it is found in rose hips (470 mg/100 g) and sweet red pepper (250 mg). The lemon, which gives the additive its name, contains only 40 mg.
Once upon a time, the acid was isolated from citrus fruits and fermented green mass of shag. The yield of the finished substance was small and very expensive.
Value powerful antioxidant was so significant that work on finding and introducing a cheap method of production, increasing total number the target product did not stop even during the Second World War.
Citric acid is available in two types: food grade and technical grade.
The name of the additive for food production and the conditions for its use are regulated by GOST 31726–2012. The document will be valid in a new edition from January 1, 2017.
The antioxidant is called anhydrous citric acid E 330.The numbers indicate the code assigned to the additive European Union. In some documents the spelling E-330 is found.
You can find other names:
- citric acid anhydrous E330, international designation;
- 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, chemical name;
- citric acid; p-hydroxytricarballytic acid, English synonyms,
- citronensaure (another spelling zitronensaure), German;
- acide citrique, French.
Type of substance
Food additive E 330 is a representative of the group.
The uniqueness of citric acid is that, according to its technological properties, it can be classified into several categories:
- antioxidant (quickly binds free radicals, stopping peroxidation);
- (V acidic environment almost all known pathogenic microbes die);
- acidity regulator;
- color stabilizer.
By chemical structure food additive E 330 is a tribasic hydroxycarboxylic acid.
Citric acid is obtained from carbohydrate-containing raw materials: beet molasses, starches (corn, wheat, potato). The starting products are fermented with certain selected strains of the mold fungus Aspergillus niger. The output is a culture liquid containing up to 90% citric acid.
It is separated from other impurities using chemically precipitated chalk or lime milk (a mixture of slaked lime and water). After purification, the acid is evaporated in a vacuum unit, crystallized, dried and packaged.
The chemical method of obtaining the food additive E 330 does not give the right to classify it as natural products, despite the use of natural raw materials at the first stage.Properties
| Indicator | Standard values |
| Color | white |
| Compound | hydroxycarboxylic acid, impurities (oxalate, sulfate); empirical formula C 6 H 8 O 7 |
| Appearance | crystalline powder |
| Smell | absent |
| Solubility | good in water, alcohols; bad on air |
| Main substance content | 99,5% |
| Taste | sour |
| Density | 1.66 g/cm 3 |
| Other | thermally unstable, subject to decomposition when heated |
Package
Citric acid is packaged in bags made of dense polyethylene film grade N, intended for packaging food products (GOST 19360). Once filled, the bags are sealed to ensure a tight seal.
The outer containers are:
- grocery bags;
- three-layer paper bags, grade NM (unimpregnated);
- cardboard boxes made of corrugated material.
The use of other types of packaging materials is permitted.
Food additive E 330 is approved for retail sales. Citric acid is supplied to paper bags 5 g each and boxes (plastic or cardboard) of any size.
Application
In the food industry
The main consumer of the E 330 additive is the food industry.
Citric acid protects foods from spoilage and improves their taste.
The variety of properties and easy interaction with others allow the use of citric acid in production large quantity food products: 
- bakery products(for acidification, improving the quality of flour, as a component of baking powder);
- vegetables and fruits, canned, frozen, fresh (including surface treatment to protect against contamination putrefactive bacteria);
- confectionery products (including for the production of invert syrup);
- carbonated drinks, juices, nectars (pH regulator)
- chocolate and cocoa products (to stabilize consistency);
- cheeses;
- fish products;
- bouillon cubes (as a hydrolysis catalyst);
- meat products (extending shelf life, color fixative);
- vegetable oils, animal fats (as a lipid antioxidant);
- alcoholic drinks(including beer).
- The list is far from complete.
Codex Alimentarius allows the use of food additive E 330 in 70 standards.
In cosmetics
The cosmetics industry is not lagging behind the food industry. 
Citric acid acts as a synergist with other antioxidants. It is usually introduced into preparations together with, or acid under the general name “Fruit acids”.
On the packaging of many skin care products, shampoos, and anti-aging cosmetics you can see the phrase “Using AHA acids.” The ingredient is positioned as an innovative additive that whitens and deeply cleanses the skin.
Manufacturers are a little disingenuous. Mysterious letters indicate the same fruit acids that have been known for centuries.
Supplements really are strong biostimulants.
The antibacterial properties of the E 330 additive are used by manufacturers of men's hygiene cosmetics. Deodorants, lotions, sprays with citric acid disinfect the skin, normalize acid balance.
Other
Other applications:
- pharmacology (in drugs that improve metabolism);
- household chemicals(scale removers);
- petrochemical industry(to reduce the acidity level of the drilling fluid);
- construction industry (additive to cement to prevent premature setting).
Benefits and harms
Citric acid is present in any living organism as an intermediate product during the breakdown and synthesis of proteins and fats.Its main function is to provide the body with energy. It is completely digestible and is considered safe as the mildest among carboxylic acids. Acceptable daily norm not installed.
Useful properties food antioxidant E 330: 
- removes toxins;
- participates in cell renewal;
- increases immunity;
- reduces the risk of developing cancer.
Citric acid as an additive to cosmetics:
- copes successfully with acne, cleansing and tightening pores;
- gently exfoliates dead skin cells of the epidermis;
- promotes collagen production, has a rejuvenating effect;
- removes fine wrinkles;
- improves complexion.
Harm associated with consuming large amounts of citric acid. The concentrated solution may cause:
- burn of the esophagus;
- destruction of tooth enamel. Dentists advise rinsing your mouth with clean water after drinking citric acid;
- allergic reactions upon contact with skin.
Based on the results of its own independent examination, the Kedr group classified the food additive E 330 as a carcinogen with the caveat that only large doses substances.
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Main manufacturers
50% of supplied citric acid is produced by Chinese enterprises.
The remaining share of production is distributed between Russia, the USA, and France.
Main manufacturers: 
- Citrobel LLC (formerly the Belgorod Citric Acid Plant), the company's share accounts for 40% of the citric acid on the domestic market;
- Anhui Fengyuan Biochemical Co. Ltd (China);
- agro-industrial corporation Archer Daniels Midland (USA).
The healing power of lemon has been known since ancient times. Prudent Egyptians generously added it to their food not only for the fullness of taste. Sour fruits neutralized the effects of poisons, which in difficult times were usually mixed into food for enemies.
No traces of lemon in modern food additive The E 330 does not detract from its merits. Flavoring and medicinal properties artificial citric acid allows us to consider it one of the most useful.
You just have to remember the need to observe moderation.
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