Is Citric Acid Bad For You?
Also Known As: C6H8O7
Short answer
Other than eroding tooth enamel over time, citric acid is not bad for you. It is, however, bad for babies.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Citric acid (not to be confused with ascorbic acid) is a naturally occurring acid in both our bodies and many fruits and vegetables. It is also added to various foods as a preservative and taste enhancer - specifically the sour taste.
The citric acid your body produces is essential for life. In fact, our bodies produce around 4 pounds of it a day. When you take in carbs, protein and fats, citrates (the body's form of citric acid) are made. Citrates are then broken down and turned into energy.
On the other hand, citric acids that you consume from foods work a bit differently. Most of the acid simply passes through your bloodstream and into your urine, which is then excreted. Very minimal amounts are taken into your liver cells and converted into fat, but don't worry, the amount converted into fat is so small it won't make a noticeable difference.
The only negative effect of citric acid is it can erode your tooth enamel over time. Eventually, the erosion will reach the soft, inside layer of your tooth (dentin), and may result in the need for a root canal. Note that this only happens after a prolonged period of time / consumption of citric acid.
Possible short-term side effects
- heartburn in babies
-
improper tooth development in babies
Possible long-term side effects
Commonly found in
- almost all soft drinks
-
jams / jellies
-
canned tomatoes
-
stock concentrates
-
citrus fruits
-
cheese (sometimes)
Benefits
- produces energy
-
makes food taste better
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Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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