Comparing E330 - Citric acid vs E501I - Potassium carbonate
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Found in 95,503 products
Found in 619 products
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Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
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.
Is potassium carbonate soluble?
Yes—it's highly soluble in water and deliquescent. It is insoluble in ethanol.
Is potassium carbonate soluble in water?
Yes, it dissolves readily in water to form a strongly alkaline solution.
What is potassium carbonate used for?
In foods, E501(i) is used as a stabiliser and acidity regulator/buffer, and as a leavening aid in some baked goods and alkaline-processed foods like certain noodles and cocoa. It’s also used industrially in making glass and soap.
Is potassium carbonate dangerous?
At approved food-use levels it’s considered safe, but the solid and concentrated solutions are strongly alkaline and can irritate or burn skin and eyes. Those with kidney disease or on potassium‑sparing medications should avoid excessive potassium intake.
How to make potassium carbonate?
Industrial production absorbs carbon dioxide into potassium hydroxide solution to form K2CO3; historically it was obtained from leached wood ashes. For food use, only purchase certified food‑grade material—home production isn’t recommended.