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What is Citric acid and sodium citrate?

May 11，2024

What is Citric acid and sodium citrate?

Sodium citrate is the trisodium salt of citric acid, a flavoring agent, and an anticoagulant. Sodium citrates are used as acidity regulators in food and drinks and as oil emulsifiers. They enable cheeses to melt without becoming greasy. It reduces the acidity of food as well.

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Sodium citrate/citric acid is used to make the urine less acidic and prevent kidney stones' formation. Sodium citrate/citric acid is also helpful as a buffer and neutralizing agent for gastric acid. Sodium citrate is broken down to sodium bicarbonate, decreasing urine acidity and increasing the excretion of substances that cause kidney stones. Sometimes called a urinary alkalizer, citric acid, and sodium citrate treat acidosis or prevent gout or kidney stones.

Side effects

Common side effects of sodium citrate/citric acid are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and water retention. It should not be used in patients with kidney failure.

Who should avoid taking sodium citrate/citric acid?

Kidney problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, toxemia of pregnancy, swelling in your hands or feet or your lungs (pulmonary edema), or. An electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

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