FOOD ADDITIVE

E330

Citric Acid

Most complete information about food additive Citric Acid (E330) - What is it? Is it harmful to health?

E330 (Citric Acid) - natural organic acid, acidity regulator, antioxidant and preservative. Natural component of citrus fruits, widely used in food industry

другое • Natural antioxidant • Acidity regulator • Key component of Krebs cycle

GRAS - Generally Recognized as Safe (FDA, EFSA). Natural component of human metabolism

AU: Approved by Food Standards Australia New Zealand BR: Approved by ANVISA (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency) CA: Approved by Health Canada as safe food additive CN: Allowed in China without restrictions EU: Approved by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) IN: Approved by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) JP: Approved by Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare RU: No restrictions in food industry. GOST 908-2004 US: GRAS status from FDA, used in food products without restrictions ZA: Approved by South African Department of Health

E330 (Citric Acid) — natural antioxidant and acidity regulator

Citric acid is a natural component of citrus fruits and a key compound in the metabolism of living organisms (Krebs cycle). Used as an acidity regulator, antioxidant, and preservative. Considered one of the safest food additives as it is part of normal human metabolism.

ORIGIN

plant

Natural origin from citrus fruits

SAFETY

GRAS

Natural metabolic component, safe

FOR CHILDREN

Safe

Safe for children in normal amounts

PREGNANCY

Safe

Safe during pregnancy in normal amounts

Daily Intake Norm (ADI)

30.00 mg/kg

Established Daily Dose

According to JECFA/EFSA

2100 mg

Maximum for 70 kg person

Safe Amount per Day

Health effects

Positive effects:

Antioxidant action - protects cells from oxidative stress
Improves mineral absorption (iron, calcium, magnesium)
Supports energy metabolism (participates in Krebs cycle)
Helps regulate acid-base balance
Has mild diuretic effect

Potential risks:

May cause tooth enamel erosion with frequent contact
In sensitive individuals may cause heartburn or GI irritation
Excessive consumption may disrupt mineral balance

Medication interactions:

Antacids (containing aluminum or magnesium): (moderate) - Citric acid may enhance absorption of aluminum and magnesium
Iron supplements: (moderate) - Improves iron absorption, may require dose adjustment
Tetracycline antibiotics: (moderate) - May improve absorption, use with caution
Aspirin and other NSAIDs: (mild) - May enhance stomach irritation
Diuretics: (mild) - May enhance excretion of potassium and other electrolytes

Chemical Properties

Formula: C₆H₈O₇

Molar Mass: 192.1240 g/mol

Appearance: White crystalline powder or colorless crystals odorless

Solubility: Very soluble in water, soluble in ethanol

CAS Number: 77-92-9

Melting Point: 153°C

Quality Standards: Complies with FCC, USP, European Pharmacopoeia, BP, JP

Identification in Ingredients

Look on Package For:

E330 Citric Acid CitrateCitric AcidAcidum citricumSour Salt

Shopping Tips:

Read packaging labels carefully
Citric acid is often used in natural products
Check content in vitamin complexes
Prefer products with natural acidity
Avoid excessive consumption of acidic products

Commonly Found In:

Carbonated drinks and lemonades (1-5 g/l)
Fruit juices and nectars (0.5-3 g/l)
Confectionery and jellies (5-20 g/kg)
Canned foods (vegetables, fruits) (1-10 g/kg)
Dairy products (cottage cheese, yogurts) (2-10 g/kg)
Vitamin complexes and supplements (50-500 mg/tablet)
Frozen convenience foods (1-5 g/kg)
Sauces and mayonnaises (5-15 g/kg)

For Special Groups

Children

Safe for children in normal dietary amounts. Is a natural component of metabolism. When used as a food additive, poses no danger.

Pregnancy & Lactation

During pregnancy, citric acid is safe as it is a natural metabolic component. Used in vitamin complexes for pregnant women.

Elderly

Safe for elderly people. May promote better mineral absorption (iron, calcium). Especially useful when taking iron supplements.

Comparison with other colorants

Code

Name

Origin

Safety

Action

E330

Citric Acid

plant

allowed

Details

E331

Sodium Citrate

synthetic

allowed

Details

E270

Lactic Acid

natural

allowed

Details

E296

Malic Acid

plant

allowed

Details

E334

Tartaric Acid

plant

allowed

Details

E260

Acetic Acid

synthetic

allowed

Details

E322

Lecithin

plant

allowed

Details

Historical Background

Citric acid was first isolated in 1784 by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele from lemon juice.

In 1890, Italian industry began producing citric acid from citrus fruits.

In 1917, American chemist James Currie discovered the fermentation method from sugar using the fungus Aspergillus niger, making production mass and economical.

Today, about 99% of world citric acid is produced by microbiological method.

1784

Year of discovery

>2 million tons

Annual production

99%

Produced by fermentation

70%

Used in food industry

100+

Countries where used

Consumption Simulator E330

Estimate your daily intake of citric acid through various food products

0 mg

Current Consumption citric acid

Optimal Level

Optimal

Normal

Excess

0 mg 1050 mg 2100 mg

Explanation: Exceeding the norm established by EFSA does not mean immediate harm, but is recommended for safe regular consumption.

Select products you consumed today:

Personal Norm Calculation

Your Weight:

Daily Intake Norm: up to 30.00 mg per kg body weight

Recommended Maximum: 2100 mg for 70 kg person

*Calculations are for reference only

*Actual content depends on manufacturer

Bioavailability & Absorption

Intestinal absorption

98%

Metabolism in Krebs cycle

100%

Renal excretion

95%

Problem:

Citric acid participates in the Krebs cycle — the central pathway of energy metabolism. When consumed in excess, can alter acid-base balance.

Solution:

Citric acid is completely metabolized in the body to carbon dioxide and water
When consumed moderately, does not affect pH balance
Promotes mineral absorption (chelating action)
Excreted by kidneys within 24 hours

Tip:

Combine foods with citric acid with mineral-rich foods to improve iron and calcium absorption.

Natural Sources

Synthetic productionFrom sugar by fermentation method

99%

Produced by fermentation

2 million tons

Annual production

70%

Used in food industry

30%

Used in pharmaceuticals and other industries

Lemon juice: Contains 5-8% citric acid

Orange juice: Contains 1-2% citric acid

Grapefruit juice: Contains 1-3% citric acid

Pineapples: Contain citric acid in smaller amounts

Strawberries and raspberries: Minor content

Scientific Research

EFSA - Scientific Opinion on the safety of citric acid (E330)

EFSA Journal

Open Research

FDA - GRAS status of citric acid

FDA

Open Research

WHO/JECFA - Safety evaluation of citric acid

JECFA

Open Research

Study on antioxidant properties of citric acid

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Open Research

Role of citric acid in Krebs cycle and energy metabolism

Biochemical Journal

Open Research

Study on citric acid effect on iron absorption

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Open Research

Frequently Asked Questions about E330

Is E330 harmful or not?

Citric acid (E330) is one of the safest food additives. It is a natural compound that is naturally present in the human body and participates in energy metabolism (Krebs cycle). Recognized as safe by all international organizations.

Can E330 be given to children?

Yes, citric acid is safe for children. It is a natural component of metabolism and is found in many children's products (juices, yogurts, desserts) in safe amounts.

Is E330 food additive dangerous or not?

E330 is not dangerous. It is a natural organic acid that is produced both from natural raw materials (citrus fruits) and by fermentation method. Has GRAS status (Generally Recognized as Safe).

What is E330 made from?

Citric acid is produced in two main ways: 1) From citrus fruits (lemons, oranges) - natural method; 2) By fermentation of sugar using the fungus Aspergillus niger - more economical and common industrial method.

What effect does E330 have on the body?

Citric acid positively affects the body: improves mineral absorption (especially iron), has antioxidant properties, participates in energy metabolism, helps regulate acid-base balance. In large quantities, it can cause tooth enamel erosion.

Why is E330 used so widely?

Citric acid has unique properties: regulates acidity, improves taste, acts as a preservative and antioxidant, is safe and economical to produce. Therefore, it is used in thousands of food products.

Is there an alternative to E330?

Yes, there are other acids (malic, tartaric, ascorbic), but citric acid is the most versatile, safe and cost-effective. In natural products, you can use lemon juice.

Can E330 cause allergies?

Allergy to pure citric acid is extremely rare. However, some people may be sensitive to products containing E330 due to other components or due to acidity.

What is the shelf life of products with E330?

Citric acid acts as a preservative, so it extends the shelf life of products. Specific terms depend on the product and other preservatives in the composition.

Can E330 be used for diabetes?

Yes, citric acid contains no sugar and does not affect blood glucose levels. It is safe for people with diabetes.

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