Comparing E330 - Citric acid vs E333 - Calcium citrates
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Popular questions
Is citric acid bad for you?
At typical food levels, citric acid (E330) is considered safe by major regulators (GRAS; EFSA/JECFA). Concentrated or frequent acidic exposure can irritate the mouth/stomach or contribute to tooth enamel erosion.
Where does the citric acid cycle occur?
In eukaryotic cells it occurs in the mitochondrial matrix; in bacteria it occurs in the cytosol.
What does citric acid do to your body?
It is a normal intermediate in energy metabolism and is readily metabolized to carbon dioxide and water. Citrate can bind minerals, which may enhance absorption of some and help prevent certain kidney stones by increasing urinary citrate.
Where does citric acid come from?
It occurs naturally in citrus fruits, but most food-grade citric acid is produced by fermenting sugars (e.g., from corn, beet, or cane) with Aspergillus niger.
How is citric acid made?
Industrially, sugars are fermented with Aspergillus niger to produce citric acid, then it is recovered and purified—often by precipitating calcium citrate and converting it back with sulfuric acid or via ion-exchange/crystallization.
Does calcium citrate cause constipation?
At the small amounts used in foods (E333), it’s unlikely to cause constipation; at supplement doses, some people may experience it, but calcium citrate is generally less constipating than calcium carbonate.
Which is better for osteoporosis calcium citrate or carbonate?
Both can help if total calcium and vitamin D intake are adequate; calcium citrate is better absorbed (especially with low stomach acid) and gentler on the gut, while carbonate has more elemental calcium per tablet, costs less, but is more likely to cause constipation and should be taken with food.
Is calcium citrate the same as calcium?
No—calcium citrate is the calcium salt of citric acid (E333) that supplies calcium; “calcium” refers to the elemental mineral itself.
What is the difference between calcium and calcium citrate?
Calcium is the elemental nutrient, whereas calcium citrate is a compound that delivers calcium bound to citrate (about 21–24% calcium by weight) and is used as a food additive (E333) and in supplements; the citrate form is more soluble and well absorbed.
Can calcium citrate cause constipation?
At food-use levels it’s unlikely; at supplement doses it can in some people, though it tends to cause less constipation than calcium carbonate.