Disodium Citrate – E331ii

Toxicity: Low

What is Disodium Citrate E331ii

Additive E331ii, also known as tricalcium citrate, is a calcium salt of citric acid. It is commonly used as an acidity regulator and stabilizer in the food industry. Tricalcium citrate is produced by the chemical reaction of citric acid with calcium salts, resulting in a white powder or colorless crystals. This additive is soluble in water and is classified as an inorganic compound. In the food industry, E331ii is used in a variety of products such as dairy products, carbonated drinks, jams, bakery products and meat products. Its main function is to adjust the pH of foods, avoiding excessive acidity or alkalinity and improving the stability and shelf life of products. In addition to its function as an acidity regulator, tricalcium citrate can also act as a stabilizer, helping to prevent the formation of unwanted crystals in products such as jellies, jams and ice cream. The additive E331ii has been evaluated as safe for human consumption by food safety organizations, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). No significant adverse effects have been reported when consuming this additive within the established limits. However, it is important to note that some people may have intolerance or sensitivity to tricalcium citrate, so it is advisable to read product labels and consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of an allergic or adverse reaction.

Adverse effects of Disodium Citrate E331ii

The additive E331ii, also known as trisodium citrate dihydrate, is widely used in the food industry as a stabilizing agent and acidity regulator. Although it is considered safe for human consumption, there are some adverse effects that may be associated with its intake in excessive quantities or in sensitive people. Some of these adverse effects include

Gastrointestinal disordersExcessive consumption of E331ii may cause upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or even constipation in some sensitive people. These symptoms are usually temporary and disappear once the intake of the additive is reduced or eliminated.

Allergic reactions Although rare, some people may be allergic to E331ii. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming foods containing E331ii, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Electrolyte Imbalances E331ii contains sodium, and excessive consumption of this additive can contribute to an imbalance in sodium levels in the body. This can be especially concerning for people with sodium-related diseases, such as hypertension or kidney disease. It is important to consider total dietary sodium intake and not rely solely on E331ii as a sodium source. Importantly, most people can consume E331ii in moderate amounts without experiencing significant adverse effects. However, if you have any concerns or have experienced adverse effects after consuming foods containing this additive, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist for personalized advice.

How do you get Disodium Citrate or E331ii?

The additive E331ii, also known as trisodium citrate, is obtained through a series of chemical processes. Here I detail the steps to obtain it

Obtaining citric acid Citric acid can be obtained naturally from citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges and grapefruits. It can also be obtained synthetically through microbial fermentation of sugar.

Neutralization of citric acid The citric acid obtained is neutralized with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) to form trisodium citrate.

Crystallization and purification The trisodium citrate solution obtained is crystallized and purified by filtration and treatment with appropriate solvents to eliminate impurities.

Drying and grinding Trisodium citrate crystals are dried and ground to obtain a fine powder. It is important to note that this process may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the production standards used. In addition, it is essential to comply with current food safety and quality standards to ensure obtaining a safe additive suitable for use in foods and beverages.

Food use of Disodium Citrate E331ii

The additive E331ii refers to trisodium citrate, an ingredient commonly used in the food industry as an acidity regulator and sequestering agent. Here are some of the food uses of the additive E331ii

BeveragesTrisodium citrate is used in carbonated drinks, fruit juices and soft drinks to regulate acidity and improve flavor.

Dairy Products This additive is used in dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream and cheese to adjust acidity and improve texture.

Baked Goods E331ii is used in the manufacture of bread, cookies and cakes, as it helps maintain freshness and improve texture.

Sauces and dressings Trisodium citrate can be found in sauces and dressings such as ketchup, mayonnaise and tomato sauce, as it helps stabilize acidity and improve consistency.

Canned Foods This additive is used in canned foods such as vegetables, soups, and sauces to preserve freshness and improve the quality of canned products. It is always important to read food labels to know the additives present and their function. However, keep in mind that excessive consumption of additives may not be healthy, so a balanced and varied diet is recommended.

Industrial use of Disodium Citrate E331ii

The additive E331ii, also known as sodium citrate, is used in industry for its properties as a pH regulator, stabilizer and emulsifier. Below are some of the most common industrial uses of this additive

Food industry Sodium citrate is used in food production as a preservative and acidity regulator. It is used in carbonated drinks, baked goods, dairy products, processed foods and pickles. It is also used to improve the emulsification of fats and oils in different products.

Pharmaceutical industry Sodium citrate is used as an excipient in the manufacture of medications and supplements. It helps stabilize formulations and maintain an appropriate pH for the stability of pharmaceutical products.

Cleaning products industry It is used in products such as all-purpose cleaners, detergents and disinfectants. Sodium citrate acts as a metal ion sequestrant, which helps improve the effectiveness of cleaning products.

Textile industry It is used as a fixing agent in the fabric dyeing process and as an additive in the manufacture of textile products. It helps maintain an adequate pH in dyeing processes and improves the fixation of dyes in the fibers.

Personal care products industry Sodium citrate is used in the manufacturing of cosmetics, skin care products, and hair care products. It helps to adjust the pH of products and improve their stability. These are just some of the most common industrial uses for the E331ii additive. It is important to note that the use and exact dosage of this additive may vary depending on the product and the industry in which it is used, so it is recommended to follow the specific instructions of each manufacturer.

Recommended consumption of Disodium Citrate E331ii

The additive E331ii, also known as trisodium citrate, is a compound used in the food industry as an acidity regulator and stabilizer. Although this additive is considered safe for human consumption, it is recommended to follow the intake guidelines established by food authorities. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the recommended daily intake (RDI) for trisodium citrate is up to 70 mg/kg body weight. This means that a person with a body weight of 70 kg, for example, could consume up to 4,900 mg of this additive per day. However, it is important to note that the maximum recommended intake may vary depending on the legislation of each country. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the specific regulations of your place of residence for more precise information. Furthermore, it is always advisable to moderate the consumption of food additives in general and maintain a balanced and varied diet. If you have any specific concerns about consuming E331ii or other additives, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional or nutrition specialist.

The additive E331ii, also known as monosodium citrate, has several beneficial properties. Some of these properties are detailed below

Acidity regulator E331ii acts as an acidity regulator in foods and beverages, allowing an adequate pH level to be maintained. This is especially useful in the food industry, as it helps preserve and improve the quality of products.

Antioxidant This additive also has antioxidant properties, which means it can help prevent or delay the oxidation of foods and drinks. This helps maintain its freshness and flavor for a longer period of time.

Stabilizer Monosodium citrate is a stabilizer used in the food industry to improve the texture and consistency of products. It helps prevent separation of ingredients and promotes better homogeneity in the mixture.

Flavor Enhancer In some cases, E331ii is used as a flavor enhancer in certain foods and beverages. By improving flavor perception, you can make products more palatable to the consumer.

Preservative This additive also has preservative properties, meaning it can help extend the shelf life of foods and drinks by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms that could cause spoilage. It is important to keep in mind that, although E331ii is considered safe for human consumption in the permitted quantities, it is always advisable to follow the instructions and regulations of the corresponding health authorities in each country. Additionally, some people may be sensitive or allergic to this additive, so caution should be taken if abnormal symptoms occur after consumption.