Citric Acid Anhydrous
Also known as: Citric acid anhydrous, Citric acid, 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
Overview
Citric acid anhydrous is a naturally occurring organic acid commonly found in citrus fruits. Commercially, it is produced through microbial fermentation of carbohydrate substrates. It is widely used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries as a flavoring agent, buffering agent, and chelating agent. As a colorless or white crystalline powder, it has a strongly acidic taste and is highly soluble in water and ethanol. Citric acid is chemically stable, non-toxic, and biodegradable, making it suitable for diverse applications. While its use is well-established in various industries, specific medical applications are less extensively studied. Research supports its benefits in anticoagulation during continuous renal replacement therapy and antioxidant status improvement in specific surgical contexts. However, evidence for other medical applications remains limited and heterogeneous.
Benefits
Citric acid anhydrous has demonstrated benefits in specific medical applications. A meta-analysis showed that citrate anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy for patients with acute kidney injury in sepsis improved renal function, extended filter lifespan (WMD = 6.93, 95% CI = 6.30 ~ 7.55, P = .000), and reduced bleeding reactions (RR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.06 ~ 0.32, P = .000). Additionally, a study involving patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery found that a solution containing citric acid improved antioxidant status, though its effect on other oxidative stress markers was limited. However, a meta-analysis in nursery piglets showed no significant effect on weight gain, indicating that benefits may be species-specific.
How it works
Citric acid anhydrous primarily functions as a chelating agent, binding to calcium ions, which is critical for its anticoagulant properties. By chelating calcium, it disrupts the coagulation cascade, preventing clot formation. It also exhibits proteolytic inhibitory effects, particularly at higher pH levels, by reducing the activity of chymotrypsin. Citric acid's high solubility in water and ethanol facilitates its absorption, although specific bioavailability data in medical contexts is limited. Its interaction with calcium ions and proteolytic enzymes makes it effective in anticoagulation and certain enzymatic processes.
Side effects
Citric acid anhydrous is generally considered non-toxic and has a low reactivity profile. There are no commonly reported side effects when used as intended. Uncommon and rare side effects are not documented in the literature. Citric acid can interact with other substances by chelating metal ions, but specific drug interactions are not well-documented in medical literature. There are no specific contraindications noted, but caution should be exercised in patients with specific metabolic disorders or those undergoing treatments where calcium ion levels are critical. It is essential to use citric acid according to the intended application and under medical supervision if used in medical settings.
Dosage
The effective dose of citric acid anhydrous varies by application. For anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy, the dose is typically part of a solution and not specified as a standalone dose. For anticoagulation, the dosage is usually part of a protocol and not individually titrated. In other applications, such as buffering or chelation, the dose depends on the specific use case. There is no established maximum safe dose for citric acid anhydrous in medical applications, but it is generally considered safe at the concentrations used. In continuous renal replacement therapy, it is used continuously during the treatment period. Citric acid anhydrous can be used in various forms, including solutions and powders, depending on the application.
FAQs
Is citric acid anhydrous safe?
Citric acid anhydrous is generally safe and non-toxic, but it should be used according to the intended application and under medical supervision if used in medical settings.
How should citric acid anhydrous be administered?
The timing and administration depend on the specific use case, such as continuous use in renal replacement therapy or as needed in other applications.
What results can I expect from using citric acid anhydrous?
The expected results vary by application; for example, improved anticoagulation and extended filter lifespan in continuous renal replacement therapy.
What are some common misconceptions about citric acid?
There is a misconception that citric acid has significant benefits in all medical applications, but the evidence is strongest for specific uses like anticoagulation.
Research Sources
- https://archive.hshsl.umaryland.edu/bitstream/handle/10713/14941/Citric%20acid%20anhydrous_Final_2020_12.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=n – This source provides a general overview of citric acid anhydrous, covering its properties, uses, and safety. It highlights its role as a flavoring agent, buffering agent, and chelating agent in various industries. The document also emphasizes its non-toxic and biodegradable nature, making it suitable for diverse applications.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/14/5/972 – This source likely discusses the applications of citric acid in various fields, including its use as an antioxidant and its role in food preservation. It may also cover the chemical properties of citric acid and its interactions with other substances. Further examination of the full text would be needed to provide a more detailed summary.
- https://www.jungbunzlauer.com/en/products/citrics/citric-acid-anhydrous – This source from Jungbunzlauer, a citric acid manufacturer, provides product information and specifications for citric acid anhydrous. It likely details its production process, quality standards, and various applications in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. The source also highlights its role as a versatile and safe ingredient.
- https://www.scielo.br/j/cr/a/GqS45GtBFVzhFpPXYZgfsdN/ – This study likely investigates the effects of citric acid on nursery piglets, focusing on weight gain and overall performance. The meta-analysis found no significant effect on weight gain or overall performance in nursery piglets. The study highlights the limitations of applying animal model results directly to humans due to high heterogeneity among studies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37652410/ – This meta-analysis compares citrate anticoagulation with heparin anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy for patients with acute kidney injury in sepsis. The study concludes that citrate anticoagulation was more effective, improving renal function, extending filter lifespan, and reducing adverse bleeding reactions. The findings suggest a significant clinical benefit of citrate anticoagulation in this specific patient population.
