citric acid

citric acid /cit·ric ac·id/ (sit´rik) a tricarboxylic acid obtained from citrus fruits that is an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle; it chelates calcium ions and prevents blood clotting and functions as an anticoagulant for blood specimens and for stored whole blood and red cells. It is also used in the preparation of effervescent mixtures and as a synergist to enhance the action of antioxidants.

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cit·ric acid (strk)

n.

A colorless translucent crystalline acid principally derived by fermentation of carbohydrates; an intermediate in metabolism.

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citric acid

[sit′rik]

Etymology: Gk, kitron, citron; L, acidus, sour

a white, crystalline organic acid soluble in water and alcohol. It is extracted from citrus fruits, especially lemons and limes, or obtained by fermentation of sugars and is used as an acidulating agent, an antioxidant, and a flavoring agent in foods, carbonated beverages, and certain pharmaceutic products, especially laxatives. Compare ascorbic acid.

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citric acid,

n a white, crystalline, organic acid freely soluble in water and alcohol. It can be extracted from citrus fruits or through a fermentation of sugars. It is a key intermediary in metabolism. See also citric acid cycle.

citric acid cycle,

n a sequence of enzymatic reactions involving the metabolism of carbon chains of sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids to yield carbon dioxide, water, and high-energy phosphate bonds. Also called
Krebs' citric acid cycle or
tricarboxylic acid cycle.

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citric acid

a tricarboxylic acid occurring in citrus fruits and acting as an antiscorbutic and diuretic. It functions as an anticoagulant in the blood preservatives, acid citrate dextrose and citrate phosphate dextrose. See also citrate.

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citric acid cycle

see tricarboxylic acid cycle.

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Patient discussion about citric acid.

Q. I have an allergy to citric acid. Is there a cure or preventative for this.......something I can take? Redness of face around features and blurring of vision about half an hour after ingesting. Citric Acid is in a LOT of products.

A. Thanks for trying Justin. For the redness, I use a mix of anti-histamine cream and hydro-cortisone. This doesn't help with the blurred-vision of course; it's just a temporary fix for my appearance. It seems that I just need to find things I can eat that don't have citric-acid added (as a preservative or to add a tangy taste) or that have citric-acid in it naturally (like citrus fruits etc.). I have to avoid foods that have the following on the ingredients list: citric-acid, sodium citrate, E330. Hope this info helps some others!