What is Citric Acid? Uses, Benefits, and Supplements

Citric acid is one of the most common ingredients you’ll find on food labels today.

From common goods to supplements, it’s used in a wide variety of products, thanks to its ability to enhance flavor and preserve freshness. 

Despite its widespread use, some people have concerns about citric acid, particularly due to misconceptions around manufactured citric acid and its production process and safety.

So what exactly is citric acid, and does it really come from mold?

In this article, we’ll break down what citric acid is, how it’s made, and why it’s perfectly safe to consume. We’ll also explore the health benefits of citric acid, particularly in supplements, and take a closer look at where you’re likely to find it in your everyday diet.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Citric acid is a commonly used ingredient that is considered safe and classified GRAS by the FDA. 
• Citric acid is often confused as containing black mold, this is false, we'll explain. 

CITRIC ACID...WHAT IS IT? 

Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in citrus fruits like lemons and limes. 

Its tart, sour, citrus flavor makes it a popular addition to many foods, beverages, and supplements. 

Beyond that, it is also a natural preservative works to preserve food and enhance the shelf life of supplements.

HOW IT'S MADE...

Originally, citric acid was simply extracted from citrus fruits, but this process isn’t the most efficient or cost-effective. More recently, citric acid is produced industrially through a fermentation process using a type of mold called Aspergillus niger.

Using fermentation allows for a more consistent and scalable production process compared to extracting citric acid from citrus fruits. It also reduces waste and environmental impact, as the raw materials used, like corn or cassava, are widely available and renewable.

While hearing that citric acid comes from mold may sound unappealing, it’s actually a common practice in the food industry. During fermentation, the mold feeds on simple sugars or starches, which can come from corn, sugar beets, or in our case, cassava, and produces citric acid as a byproduct.

And don’t worry - the final citric acid product is purified, completely removing any mold residue, making it perfectly safe to consume.

IS CITRIC ACID SAFE?

Yes, here's why:

1. GRAS status 
2. Citric acid is not black mold.
3. Fermentation is a commonly used method to produce some of our favorite foods. 

Citric acid is classified as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) by the FDA, which means it's widely accepted as safe to use in foods and supplements. Despite the use of Aspergillus niger during production, there’s no risk of consuming mold when you consume citric acid. 

The mold is simply used during the production process and does not end up in the final product. 

It's also worth noting that fermentation is a technique we rely on for many popular foods because it helps bring out flavors and extend shelf life. Plus, it can have plenty of benefits for gut health too, by promoting beneficial bacteria in foods.

Here are a few more examples of foods made through fermentation:

• Sourdough 
• Chocolate
• Beer + wine
• Kimchi
• Sauerkraut
• Vinegar
• Pickles
• Cheese

Did any of those surprise you?

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CITRIC ACID IN SUPPLEMENTS

• Energy 
• Mineral absorption
• Kidney health
• Natural preservative

Citric acid isn’t just a preservative or flavor enhancer—it plays an important role in several bodily functions, including energy production and mineral absorption. 

While taking citric acid as a supplement may not directly boost these functions, it is often included in supplements to enhance certain benefits, such as aiding in mineral absorption and acting as a preservative. 

ENERGY PRODUCTION 

Citric acid plays a role in your body’s energy production process. It's part of the Krebs cycle (also called the citric acid cycle). This cycle is central to how our bodies generate energy from the food we eat, converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy that powers every cell in the body.

Without citric acid, your cells wouldn’t be able to produce the energy you need to function throughout the day.

While citric acid is part of this crucial energy production cycle, there’s no research indicating that supplementing with it will offer any specific benefit to energy production in the body.

MINERAL ABSORPTION 

Citric acid can also help your body absorb certain minerals more effectively, such as magnesium, calcium, and zinc. It binds with these minerals to form salts, which makes it easier for your body to absorb them, especially when they come from supplements.

For example, individuals using a calcium supplement might consider calcium citrate over calcium carbonate because it’s more easily absorbed and has fewer side effects like bloating or gas.

Another example is magnesium, which comes in many forms, such as sulfate, citrate, oxide, and others. Magnesium citrate is a popular choice because it’s one of the better absorbed forms.

KIDNEY HEALTH 

Citric acid has been shown to support kidney health by helping to prevent the formation of kidney stones. It binds to calcium, one of the main contributors to stone formation, which helps reduce the risk of stones forming in the kidneys.

In supplementation, citric acid combined with potassium, as potassium citrate, has been found to be especially beneficial. One review of seven studies found that citrate therapy significantly reduced kidney stone size and lowered the risk of new stone formation compared to placebo or no intervention. The review also noted that while some participants experienced gastrointestinal side effects, these were generally not significant, and the need for retreatment was significantly lower with citrate therapy.

Another study found that a receptor in the kidneys may help prevent kidney stones by controlling how much citrate is available to bind with calcium in the urine, which helps lower the risk of stones forming.

While the benefits of these supplements are exciting, it’s also worth noting that dietary changes can also be effective. In addition to consuming foods rich in citric acid, reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium-rich foods like bananas and leafy greens are also key strategies in preventing kidney stones.

NATURAL PRESERVATIVE 

Thanks to its acidic nature and ability to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful organisms, citric acid is commonly used as a preservative in foods and supplements.

In acidic environments, bacteria and fungi have a harder time growing, which is why citric acid is such a valuable preservative in shelf-stable products. It helps maintain food safety, especially in products that need to last for extended periods.

It’s not uncommon to see citric acid added to things like canned fruits and vegetables, sodas, condiments, and dairy products.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND CITRIC ACID

You’ll find citric acid in a wide variety of foods, ranging from sodas and candies to canned goods and baked products, because it can serve as a preservative as well as a flavor enhancer.

Citric acid is also added to some supplements to help with mineral absorption and preservation. You may find citric acid in multivitamins or effervescent tablets, where it helps with flavor and stability while also aiding in mineral absorption

You can also find citric acid in personal care products such as shampoos and lotions, where it helps balance pH and stabilize formulations. It can also be a key ingredient in household cleaning products, where its ability to break down stains and calcium deposits makes it an eco-friendly alternative to harsher chemicals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. IS CITRIC ACID SAFE TO CONSUME?

Yes, citric acid is considered safe by the FDA and has a long history of use in foods and supplements.

Even though it’s made using a mold during fermentation, the final product that is actually consumed has been purified and is free from any mold.

2. CAN CITRIC ACID HELP PREVENT KIDNEY STONES?

Yes, citric acid binds to calcium in the urine, which helps reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Supplements like potassium citrate are often recommended for people prone to kidney stones.

3. WHAT FOODS ALSO CONTAIN CITRIC ACID?

Citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits as well as in a wide variety of other foods, including:

• Jerky
• Dairy Products
• Canned Goods 
• Sauces 
• Certain Breads
• Supplements

4. IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATURAL CITRIC ACID FROM FRUITS AND MANUFACTURED CITRIC ACID?

The citric acid found in citrus fruits and the citric acid produced through fermentation are chemically identical.

Both forms work the same way in the body.

The industrial version is simply a more efficient way to meet the high demand for citric acid in foods, supplements, and other products.

TLDR;

Citric acid is a safe and versatile ingredient found in many foods and supplements.

While it's produced using a mold and fermentation, the end product is completely free from contaminants and safe to consume.

It also plays an important role in energy production in the body and it can help improve the absorption of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Plus, it’s an effective preservative found in many common foods.

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