Sodium Citrate

Sodium Citrate is one of the Sodium Salts of Citric Acid, the three Salts commonly known as Monosodium Citrate, Disodium Citrate and Trisodium Citrate. They are extensively used in the preparation and manufacture of food products and have been given the collective E Number 331 for this purpose.

Sodium Citrate appears as a white crystalline or granular compound with a chemical formula of NaC6H5O7.2H2O. In addition to its uses in the food industry, Sodium Citrate is used in photography and in medicine, where it acts as an anti-coagulant for the storage of blood for transfusion.

In medicine, Sodium Citrate is also used to make blood and urine more alkaline or less acidic, which helps to prevent the formation of kidney stones. It is also used to treat metabolic acidosis, a condition in some people who have kidney disorders. It is also used in proprietary preparations for the treatment of cystitis and in oral rehydration, for example to treat the effects of diarrhoea.

In the food industry, Sodium Citrate is mainly used as a food additive, usually for flavour or as a preservative. For example, soda drinks often contain Sodium Citrate which helps to give them their distinctive tart flavour. It is also used as an acid regulator, and in lemon & lime or citrus-flavoured soft drinks. Certain 'energy' drinks contain Sodium Citrate.

Sodium Citrate is sometimes used as a buffering agent, as it resists changes in pH level. Sodium Citrate is used to control the level of acidity in certain foods, such as gelatine desserts.

As with all chemical products, care should be taken when working with Sodium Citrate. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing such as protective overalls, safety footwear, safety gloves and approved eye protection. Always keep containers of Sodium Citrate tightly closed and store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep containers of Sodium Citrate out of the reach of children and animals.

If you have any queries about Sodium Citrate and its uses, please contact your approved Sodium Citrate supplier who will be happy to discuss your concerns.