Citric acid/potassium-sodium citrate

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Citric Acid/Potassium-Sodium Citrate

Citric acid/potassium-sodium citrate is a combination of compounds used in various applications, including medical treatments and food preservation. This entry provides an overview of its properties, uses, and related topics.

Chemical Composition[edit | edit source]

Citric acid is a weak organic acid with the chemical formula C_H_O_. It is a natural preservative and is also used to add an acidic or sour taste to foods and soft drinks. Potassium-sodium citrate is a combination of potassium citrate and sodium citrate, which are salts of citric acid.

Citric Acid[edit | edit source]

Citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits. It is a tricarboxylic acid and plays a crucial role in the citric acid cycle, which is a key metabolic pathway that unites carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.

Potassium-Sodium Citrate[edit | edit source]

Potassium citrate and sodium citrate are salts derived from citric acid. They are often used in medicine to make the urine less acidic and to prevent gout or kidney stones.

Medical Uses[edit | edit source]

The combination of citric acid and potassium-sodium citrate is used in medicine primarily to treat conditions related to the urinary tract.

Urinary Alkalinization[edit | edit source]

Potassium-sodium citrate is used to alkalinize the urine. This can help prevent the formation of kidney stones and treat metabolic acidosis in patients with renal tubular acidosis.

Gout Prevention[edit | edit source]

By alkalinizing the urine, potassium-sodium citrate can help prevent the formation of uric acid stones, which are associated with gout.

Food and Beverage Industry[edit | edit source]

Citric acid is widely used in the food and beverage industry as a preservative and flavoring agent. Potassium-sodium citrate is used as an acidity regulator and emulsifier.

Preservative[edit | edit source]

Citric acid acts as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mold, thereby extending the shelf life of products.

Flavoring Agent[edit | edit source]

Citric acid is used to impart a sour taste to foods and beverages, enhancing their flavor profile.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]


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