Most people tried citric acid in its pure form in childhood or mixed it with soda to get homemade “pop”. It is also used by athletes to increase speed and burst of energy, and in pharmaceutical preparations it necessarily accompanies vitamin C in order to improve its absorption. It also formed the basis of the food additive E 331. But what about the latter?
Food supplement E 331: general characteristics
Sodium citrate, sodium citrate or - this is the name of the substance that received the code "E 331": under such names it may be present in food formulations. Sodium citrate is a whole group of different elements with similar (but not the same) structure and degree of acidity. Directly in the food industry, manufacturers almost never indicate which sodium citrate they have introduced into their product. Mainly used here:
- sodium citrate (II) aqueous;
- sodium citrate (III) anhydrous and aqueous.
Unlike monosodium citrate (I), they benefit from longer storage, as well as the simplest composition (the number of impurities is minimized). Accordingly, the content of the key element in them is the highest. Monosodium citrate (single-substituted) has become widespread in pharmacology. In all variants, the base is citric acid, which undergoes a neutralization process to obtain a sodium salt.
Food additive E 331 is included in the group of antioxidants, and is also a stabilizer and emulsifier.
In its pure form, sodium citrate appears as a white powder with a salty-sour taste and good solubility in water. This substance does not have toxic properties, however, it is a strong allergen and burns mucous membranes when inhaled. In food, the additive E 331 is necessary to control pH, as well as to maintain structure and shape. In citrus-based drinks, it further enhances the specific taste. It can often be found in:
- carbonated drinks;
- citrus juices;
- yogurt;
- gelatin desserts and confectionery;
- processed cheese;
- dry milk;
- infant formula;
- sour milk drinks, cottage cheese.
Just as mentioned above, monosodium citrate is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is introduced into medicines for cystitis, heartburn, anticoagulants (due to its ability to slow down blood clotting). It is effective even with a hangover, and also as an enhancer of the action of ascorbic acid. Is it possible, on the basis of this, to say that this food supplement is devoid of disadvantages and can be safely used by a person?
What harm does the E 331 additive represent for a person?
Perhaps, among all the synthetic additives that exist in the modern food industry, E 331 can be considered one of the safest, since so far scientists have not found any serious negative sides in it. Sodium citrate is used as a medicine, it is non-toxic, has no carcinogenic properties. But still, the food additive E 331 is capable of bringing minor harm:
- in the presence of internal bleeding, it, entering the body in large quantities, will aggravate the situation, since it prevents blood clotting;
- abuse of products with an excess of sodium citrate is fraught with nausea, vomiting, digestive upset;
- in individuals at risk of developing hereditary hypertension, an increase in blood pressure is possible.
Sodium citrate can be found under the code E331. This dietary supplement has the structure of a fine white crystalline powder. Many are alarmed by the current situation of poor quality products. Recently, buyers have increasingly begun to look at the composition of products, since the state does not have time to control the integrity of all manufacturers. The question often arises: is sodium citrate harmful? This needs to be sorted out.
Properties of sodium citrate
E331 is perfectly stored. The additive dissolves well in water, but weakly in alcohol. You can get sodium citrate from citric acid, if you neutralize it with caustic soda.
Sodium citrate (E331) in food
In the food industry, sodium citrate is a multifunctional additive. It is used both as a preservative and as a stabilizer, and in some cases to enhance the taste.
Consider its properties on specific examples:
- in carbonated beverages, sodium citrate acts as a flavor enhancer that imparts a rich citrus flavor to the beverage. E331 is also used in energy drinks for the same purpose;
- as an acidity regulator, sodium citrate is widely used in yoghurts, as well as in various sweets: in marmalade, soufflé or jelly;
- in rare cases, E331 is added to the finished dish. In this case, sodium citrate functions as a seasoning;
- E331 is added to dairy and sour-milk products during the sterilization process (long-term heat treatment). Also, a food supplement is introduced into the composition of infant formulas.
Harm VS Usefulness
E331 is an officially approved additive not only in Russia, but also in Europe. The question of whether sodium citrate is harmful can be answered as follows: in moderation, this supplement is absolutely safe for health. Considering such a distribution of this additive in food products (even for children), it can even be considered useful. Not a single case of poisoning with this drug has been recorded, which means that it is not toxic.
Other Uses for Sodium Citrate
E331 is also used in the field of medicine. It is used to make preparations that dissolve quickly (often soluble tablets for colds). Sodium citrate is also added to donated blood to increase its shelf life.
Gross formula
C 6 H 5 Na 3 O 7Pharmacological group of the substance Sodium citrate
Nosological classification (ICD-10)
CAS code
68-04-2Characteristics of the substance Sodium citrate
Colorless crystals or white crystalline powder, odorless, salty taste.
Pharmacology
pharmachologic effect- anticoagulant, alkalizing urine, restoring the alkaline state of the blood.Binds Ca ++ (IV plasma coagulation factor) and inhibits hemocoagulation (in vitro). Increases the content of Na + in the body, increases the alkaline reserves of the blood. Changes the reaction of urine from acidic to alkaline, contributes to the disappearance of symptoms of dysuria.
Application of the substance Sodium citrate
Blood stabilization. Symptomatic treatment of cystitis.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity.
Application restrictions
Heart disease, kidney disease, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, low salt diet, pregnancy, breastfeeding.
Side effects of sodium citrate
Decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased blood pressure.
Routes of administration
inside.
Substance precautions Sodium citrate
The course of treatment should not be repeated frequently. If at the end of the course the symptoms of cystitis remain, it is necessary to verify the diagnosis.
In men and children, cystitis is often bacterial in nature, so the drug is not recommended for these patients.
Interactions with other active substances
Trade names
| Name | The value of the Wyshkovsky Index ® |
In the third millennium, it is difficult to imagine your life without the use of chemistry as a science in various industries and in everyday life. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, this citrate has become an integral part of medicine, improving the quality of food, as well as the operation of some devices. Sodium citrate can be found in any refrigerator, first aid kit, bathroom, but do you remember from a school chemistry course what citrates, E331 additive are, and what benefits or harm they bring?
What is sodium citrate
Sodium citrate is a trivalent sodium salt of citric acid, known to the layman as a food additive E331. One of the common names for citrate, "sour salt", came from the characteristic taste. Often, the compound can be found as a spice, flavoring preservative, antioxidant, anticoagulant. The interaction of trisodium with water according to the instructions is characterized as a common oxidation reaction familiar to everyone.
Properties
Since the above E331 citrate is a salt, it is easily soluble in water, but poorly soluble in alcohol. Sodium citrate comes in two forms: clear crystals or white powder. The substance is non-flammable and non-toxic. There are three types of citrate (sodium citrate):
- monosodium citrate;
- disubstituted (disodium citrate);
- trisubstituted (trisodium citrate).
Benefit and harm
The substance due to its structure is able to oxidize when interacting with water, oxygen. This process makes citrate absolutely harmless to the body, and since it is used only in this way, there is no cause for concern. A pure substance does not bear special benefits for the body. For example, as a component of drugs, citrate only affects solubility, but does not have a positive effect on human health.
There are also few negative properties of citrate: when inhaled, the powder irritates the respiratory tract, like acid salt, interacts poorly with ulcers, wounds and similar, unprotected upper layers of the skin, areas on the body. There is no acceptable (permissible) daily dose of sodium citrate, but foods containing it can be harmful if eaten a lot and often.
Application of sodium citrate
Today, the substance is used in many segments of the industry. The usual “E” additives are used in the food industry, but the role of citrate for medical research, the cosmetic industry, and sports cannot be discounted. A familiar base ingredient in many health and beauty products, citrate is perceived as something ordinary, but it causes heated debate, and often even doubts.
Food additive E331
Due to the positive properties of the substance, the list of products in which it is included is simply immense:
- Flavor additive. Used to make many energy drinks, citrus flavored sodas.
- Acidity regulator. It is added to products with a gelatin base.
- Participates in the sterilization of milk for the manufacture of various fermented milk products.
- It is a component of baby food, a large number of desserts.
In medicine
Substance at the beginning of the twentieth century. was used by the Belgian physician Albert Hustin, who used it as an anticoagulant in blood transfusions. The principle of operation is simple: citrate, with the help of internal processes, does not allow blood to clot, and promotes long-term storage. The technology is still used by blood banks for freezing, storing animal spermatozoa for the purpose of breeding..
It is used as a drug for cystitis, heartburn, constipation, and also helps to neutralize a hangover, prevent the formation of blood clots. Being a component of drugs, citrate dissolves already in the stomach, and cold remedies contain a substance that dissolves the capsule in water. The same effect can be observed with aspirin tablets, which must first be thrown into a glass of water. People call this reaction a fizz.
In cosmetics
Sodium citrate in cosmetics is far from the last place. For example, sodium dihydrate is an ingredient in many shampoos. The substance can reduce the effect of the alkaline environment on the hair, make it softer, silkier, and the acid helps to neutralize the fat on the hair without leaving a soapy residue. These and many other properties could not be missed by manufacturers of organic cosmetics. The substance is a component of conditioners, soaps, shampoos. It also effectively fights oily skin, therefore it is listed in the composition of many masks and creams.
Sodium citrates (Sodium citrates, sodium citrate, monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, trisodium citrate, sodium citrate, sodium citrate monosubstituted, sodium citrate disubstituted, sodium citrate trisubstituted, E331) - sodium salt of citric acid.
Chemical formula Na3C6H5O7.
Types of sodium citrates (sodium citrates):
(i) Monosodium citrate;
(ii) Sodium citrate disubstituted (disodium citrate);
(iii) Trisodium citrate.
Sodium citrate has a medium salty-sour taste. For this feature of citrates of alkaline and alkaline earth elements (for example, sodium and calcium citrates), they are known as "acid salts" (sometimes citric acid is also mistakenly called so).
Sodium citrate is mainly used as a spice (seasoning) that gives a special taste, or as a preservative (food additive E331).
It is used as a flavoring in carbonated drinks, many lemon or lime flavored drinks, and in energy drinks such as Red Bull and Bullit.
Citrate can be used as a buffer compound to prevent pH changes.
It is used to control the acidity of some dishes, such as gelatin desserts. It is used to regulate acidity in coffee machines.
Sodium citrate comes from dissolving many "instant drugs" in water, such as Alka-Seltzer (an antacid for heartburn).
Used to reduce discomfort in urinary tract infections such as cystitis, it reduces acidity in peripheral renal acidosis, and is also used as an osmosis regulator (laxative).
Sodium citrate in the form of a solution is one of the components of the medium for thawing animal sperm during artificial insemination.
Sodium citrate (lat. Natrii citras) is the sodium salt of citric acid, which is used in the food industry as an additive E331 as an emulsifier or stabilizer.
Chemical formula of the additive: Na 3 C 6 H 5 O 7 . The most popular today is 2-water sodium citrate, which has a high concentration of the main substance and lends itself well to long-term storage.
In appearance, this additive is a white crystalline powder, which is easily soluble in water, but slightly soluble in alcohol. The powder is non-flammable, non-explosive, non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin, but may irritate the upper respiratory tract if inhaled.
Sodium citrate was first used in 1914 in the process of blood transfusion as an anticoagulant. Later, the additive began to be used in the food industry in the form of a solution.
Today, sodium citrate is commercially produced by neutralizing citric acid with a source of sodium (such as sodium hydroxide) and then crystallizing it.
Due to the fact that sodium citrate has a specific sour-salty taste, the E331 additive is used specifically to improve the taste of products in the form of seasoning. Also for this feature, E331 is called "sour salt", to the category of which citric acid itself is mistakenly attributed.
Another function of sodium citrate is to control the acidity of a number of dishes (in particular gelatin-based desserts), as well as to regulate the level of acidity in coffee machines.
Additive E331 can hardly be called harmful. Sodium citrate is often used as a drug for the treatment of cystitis, blood stabilization. It helps to reduce heartburn and reduce the effects of a hangover.
As side effects of medicines based on sodium citrate indicate: increased blood pressure, decreased appetite, nausea, pain in the abdomen, vomiting. But in foods, sodium citrate is used in much lower doses than in medicines. In addition, so far there is not a single fact that the E331 additive has harmed the health of at least one person. Based on this, we can conclude that the additive E331 (sodium citrate) is harmless to human health within reasonable limits.
Sodium citrates are commonly found in all carbonated drinks, as well as drinks that taste like lime or lemon. E-additive E331 is used in the production of marshmallow, souffle, marmalade, processed cheese, baby food, yogurt and milk powder. In dairy production, it is used to obtain sterilized and pasteurized milk or fermented milk products, as well as canned milk, the manufacture of which requires prolonged heating of milk.
Additive E331 is included in the list of food additives approved for use in the food industry in Russia and Ukraine.
Referring to the group of antioxidants, food antioxidant E331 Sodium citrates or as it is also called sodium citrate in the food industry, as a rule, plays the role of an emulsifier or stabilizer. By the way, in view of the fact that the toxic and other negative properties of the food antioxidant E331 Sodium citrates have not been identified, this additive is approved for use around the world, including in the EU countries, in Russia and Ukraine.
Appearance of food antioxidant E331 Sodium citrates can be described as a white powder consisting of small crystals that have a sour-salty taste. This substance is excellent for long-term storage, it dissolves well in water, but is difficult to dissolve in alcohol-containing liquids. In addition, E331 is flammable, so it is not capable of posing a threat as an explosive.
The properties of the food antioxidant E331 Sodium citrates were first discovered quite a long time ago - back in 1914. It was then that Louis Egot (a physicist from Argentina), together with the Belgian physician Albert Hustin, used sodium citrate as an anticoagulant during a blood transfusion procedure. Since then, E331 has been actively used not only in medicine, but also in other areas of human life.
So, the range of application of sodium citrate can be safely called quite wide. For example, in the food industry, food antioxidant E331 Sodium citrates is added during the production of drinks (especially those that need to be flavored with citrus), soufflé, jelly, marshmallow, marmalade, yogurt, processed cheese, as well as milk powder and infant formula. In addition, sodium citrate itself is often used as a seasoning.
Benefits of Dietary Antioxidant E331 Sodium Citrate
Due to the fact that this substance is involved in many processes that occur in the human body, the benefits of food antioxidant E331 Sodium citrates are obvious. First of all, E331 helps to treat diseases such as cystitis and some other infectious diseases of the genitourinary system. Sodium citrate is also used as a laxative.
This supplement has found wide application in donation - thanks to it, the blood does not clot for a long time. And the benefits of the food antioxidant E331 Sodium citrates are expressed in the ability to lower acidity and, accordingly, remove heartburn, hangover.
A life-safe daily allowance for human consumption of sodium citrate is not yet known. Meanwhile, the food additive E331 is recognized as safe for human life and health, since there are no facts confirming its harmful effect on the body.
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