Is Citric Acid Bad for You? What to Know

What Is Citric Acid?

Citric acid is a natural compound that gives citrus fruits their sharp, sour taste. It is also found in smaller amounts in berries, tomatoes, and some vegetables.

Beyond flavor, citric acid is a key part of human metabolism, helping the body convert food into energy.

What Is Citric Acid Made From?

When you see “citric acid” on a food label, it almost never comes directly from fruit. Instead, it’s usually manufactured through fermentation. Factories feed sugars (often corn starch or molasses) to a fungus called Aspergillus niger. This process creates large amounts of citric acid at low cost, which is why it’s the version used in sodas, candies, canned foods, and supplements.

So while natural and manufactured citric acid are chemically the same, the source and scale of production are different.

Common Uses of Citric Acid

Manufacturers rely on citric acid because it’s incredibly versatile. In foods and drinks, it works as a:

• Flavor enhancer: adds tartness to sodas, candies, and juices.
• Preservative: stops bacteria from growing and helps canned products stay fresh.
• Acidity regulator: balances the pH in processed foods, making them more stable.

Beyond food, citric acid shows up in:

• Supplements: to improve mineral absorption or flavor chewable tablets.
• Skincare: where it acts as an exfoliant in alpha hydroxy acid formulas.
• Cleaning products: because it dissolves mineral deposits and kills certain bacteria.

What Does Citric Acid Do to Your Body?

Inside the body, citric acid isn’t just a flavoring; it’s part of your metabolism. It plays a role in the Krebs cycle, the series of chemical reactions that convert food into usable energy. Without citric acid, your cells couldn’t turn carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into fuel.

Supplements often include citric acid in the form of citrates (like calcium citrate or magnesium citrate). These forms help your body absorb minerals more efficiently. Doctors also prescribe potassium citrate to prevent kidney stones, because it reduces the chance that crystals form in urine.

On top of that, citric acid has antioxidant properties, which means it can help neutralize free radicals that damage cells.

Why Is Citric Acid Considered Bad for You?

Citric acid is generally recognized as safe by the FDA and used worldwide in foods and products. The concerns around citric acid come down to how much you consume and your personal sensitivity. The main concerns are:

• Tooth enamel erosion: Acidic drinks and candies wear down enamel. This can cause sensitivity, discoloration, and cavities.
• Digestive upset: Large amounts, especially in supplements or sour food,s can lead to stomach pain, heartburn, or diarrhea.
• Skin and eye irritation: Pure citric acid in skincare or cleaning products can sting or cause redness if left on the skin.
• Allergic reactions: Rarely, people react to the manufactured form, possibly due to mold byproducts.

A small number of case reports suggest that manufactured citric acid might trigger inflammatory reactions in some people, leading to joint pain, fatigue, or stomach upset. Researchers think this may be linked to residual mold proteins or impurities in the final product, but solid evidence is lacking.

Who Should Be Careful with Citric Acid?

While most people don’t need to worry, certain groups benefit from caution:

• People with sensitive teeth or ongoing dental erosion.
• Those with reflux or GERD, since acid can worsen symptoms.
• Anyone with a known mold allergy.
• Individuals with reproducible symptoms after eating citric acid-containing products.
• Frequent consumers of sour candies, sodas, or effervescent supplements, where acid exposure is high.