Sodium Citrate

Other names: Sodium citrate, Trisodium salt citric acid, Monosodium salt, E331

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Sodium Citrate, also known as sodium citrate, Trisodium salt citric acid, Monosodium salt, or by the European code E331, is an important chemical with a wide range of uses. This substance is a salt of citric acid and harbours excellent properties as a stabiliser, acidity regulator, emulsifier, as well as preservative properties. Due to its unique properties, it finds applications in many industrial sectors, especially in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

In the food industry, sodium citrate can be found, for example, in beverages, fruits, vegetables, jams, fruit juices, dairy products and others. It plays a particularly important role in cheese production, where it acts as an emulsifier and acidity regulator to help produce smooth, creamy textures. In sodas and energy drinks, it serves as an acidity stabiliser, preventing pH changes and thus ensuring a consistent taste of the product. In the cosmetics industry, sodium citrate is used in many products such as skin creams, shampoos, conditioners, but also in body soap and toothpaste, where it acts as a stabiliser and pH regulator. In medicine, it is an important ingredient in dialysis and blood collection, where it helps prevent blood clotting. E331 also has the ability to bind metals, which is used, for example, in detoxification processes in the body.