Ingredient Information

Function

Sodium citrate works as a safe buffering agent in dough and flour mixes, and acts as an effective acidity regulator in jams, ice-creams, cheese, candy, condensed milk, gelatin desserts and other food items.

Sodium citrate also serves as an effective food additive, usually to impart flavor or as a preservative.

Sodium citrate is used as club soda in soft drinks, lime-lemon drinks and other beverages to impart a tangy, sour or salty flavor.

Sodium citrate is a buffer that is added to high acid liquids in order to facilitate gelling, as well as for stabilizing emulsified fats that are found in meat and fish.

Other Use and Industries

Sodium citrate is extensively used in photography and in the pharmaceutical industry as an anti-coagulant.

The function of sodium citrate in washing sodas and detergents is to attach to calcium ions to prevent their interference.

Health Effects

Sodium citrate can be used to deal with the discomfort of mild urinary tract infections, such as cystitis. Sodium citrate is not advisable for those suffering from irritable bowel systems, inflammation and stomach ulcers.

Those who are pregnant or have heart disease or diabetes should limit consumption of sodium citrate due to its sodium content.

Origins

Sodium citrate refers to the sodium salts of citric acid. It is a white, odorless, crystalline compound found in a granular form. A small amount of this substance is found naturally in the body. However, supplements can be taken in order to enjoy the health benefits sodium citrate.