Is Sodium Citrate Bad For You?
Also Known As: sodium salts of citric acid
Short answer
As a food additive, sodium citrate is not bad for you - as such small amounts are used. When used as a medicine, more caution should be taken. It can interact with various medications and can harm those with certain pre-existing conditions, such as hyperkalemia.
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
Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid. It is commonly used in food as a flavor enhancer or preservative. It is what gives many sodas their sour and slightly salty taste. When used in foods, it is highly unlikely to cause any adverse effects, as amounts used are very small. However, sodium citrate also has medical application. In this case, there are a few things to be aware of.
When used as a medicine, sodium citrate treats kidney problems (e.g. kidney stones) and metabolic acidosis. The latter, put simply, is a buildup of excess acid in the body's fluids. Sodium citrate has an alkalizing effect, hence its ability to stabilize body systems that are too acidic.
While sodium citrate is usually safe, it does carry some risks. For one thing, it interacts with several different types of medicine, especially those containing aluminum. Furthermore, people with hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) and/or heart problems should avoid sodium citrate. Additionally, it may cause hypernatremia, which is excess sodium in the blood. Symptoms of hypernatremia include drowsiness and weakness. In severe cases, it can even lead to seizures and death. Lastly, sodium citrate may cause an allergic reaction in some people. As with any medication, speak to your doctor if you have any other illnesses or are taking other drugs before you take sodium citrate.
Possible short-term side effects
- allergic reaction
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dizziness
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weakness
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restlessness
Possible long-term side effects
Commonly found in
Benefits
- used to treat kidney stones
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used to treat metabolic acidosis
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preserves flavor in drinks
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-25-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-25-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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