Sodium citrate is a food additive which is mainly used in cough syrups and for neutralizing acids in urine. It is also used as a pharmaceutical aid and as a food additive. It can also be used as a laboratory reagent and as a chemical for treating water. This chemical is commonly found as trisodium citrate which is used as an emulsifier, acidity regulator, calcium sequestrant, and preservative. Here we Analysis of Sodium Citrate.
Basically, there are 3 types of sodium citrate:
Monosodium citrate
Disodium citrate
Trisodium citrate
Trisodium is the most commonly used variant for food products.
In order to get the sodium citric acid you have to remove the H+ portion of the citric acid and replace it with Na+ ions. Practically, this chemical has been a very important base agent in chemistry labs. Analysis of Sodium Citrate requires more acid than normal to reduce pH of any solution due to this tendency it makes easier to make adjustments in acidity.
Other than being a buffering agent, this chemical also acts as a sequestering agent that means that it can bind with other ions that are present in the solution. Especially with cheese because it consists of calcium ions which are replaced with sodium ions in order to change its structure and expose it to oil and water-loving ends. Sometimes calcium reacts with hydrocolloids forming a thin layer which, however, is likely to occur naturally in tap water. So it can be used to reduce calcium and avoid early gelation. It is also particularly used for this process as they can increase the pH level slightly which can help in spherification process.
Analysis of Sodium Citrate used as an emulsifier which is used to make dairy products like cheese. Applications of trisodium citrate used as food additives and found as flavoring agents in many products like ice-creams, wine, beverages, milk powders, sweets, and jams.
It is quite difficult to determine an exact concentration range for the practical use of this chemical because it depends on the other ingredients that are used. It should be used moderately because it’s both salty and sour which can affect the flavors of your preparation. If not sure, always consult specialis.
In cosmetics and personal care products, sodium citrate primarily functions as a buffering agent to control the pH level, but may also be used as a preservative. As a buffering agent, sodium citrate functions to establish and hold the pH of a product. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, while a pH less than 7 is acidic and a pH greater than 7 is basic (alkaline). Sodium citrate can buffer solutions in the pH range of about 3 to 6.2.
In addition to functioning as a buffering agent, sodium citrate is used as a preservative. The use of preservatives is necessary in most products to prevent degradation caused by microorganisms, and to protect the product from inadvertent contamination by the consumer during use. Microbial contamination of products, especially those used around the eyes and on the skin, can lead to problems like skin irritation and infection. Preservatives like sodium citrate help to prevent such problems.
Sodium citrate is used to treat many disorders. Following are some of the uses of Sodium Citrate:
Makes Urine Less Acidic: Sodium citrate belongs to the class of Urinary Alkalinizers and makes urine less acidic. Less acidic urine contains less uric acid that helps prevent gout and kidney stones.
Treats Acidosis: Sodium citrate prevents acidosis and helps treat other kidney and metabolic problems. So, if you are suffering from an acidic gastrointestinal tract, then your health expert may recommend medicines that contain Sodium citrate.
Though you can safely consume sodium citrate during pregnancy, always consult your doctor to know about the proper dosage first. Also, if sodium citrate is causing discomfort, do not ignore the symptoms and be in a regular touch with your health care provider. It is possible that your doctor may replace sodium citrate medicines with some other medication.
Some other major side effects of sodium citrate consumption that can make you uncomfortable while pregnant are:
Nutrient Loss: If the symptoms of vomiting and nausea persist for too long, then your body will start losing the major nutrients required for the healthy growth of your fetus.
Water Retention: The salts present in sodium citrate cause water retention in the body. Water retention is one of the major problems during pregnancy, and sodium Citrate aggravates the problem further. So, if you notice any such symptom, rush to your medical expert immediately.
High Blood Pressure: If you consume too much sodium during pregnancy it leads to high blood pressure. Such a condition proves harmful to you as well as your unborn baby. High Blood Pressure during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or untimely delivery.
Sodium citrate is a food additive. This substance is used in cosmetic products. Sodium citrate can be used during pregnancy, but be sure to consult your doctor if you have any problems.