Differences Between Ascorbic Acid and Citric Acid

Ascorbic Acid vs Citric Acid

While you might think that ascorbic acid and citric acid are similar, this will burst your bubble: they are two very different things. There are also certain similarities, which is exactly why this article is going to point out such similarities as well as the bigger number of differences. People naturally assume that Vitamin C is all about ascorbic acid and, in turn, would imagine that since Vitamin C is usually derived and obtained from citrus fruits, it is also all about citric acid. The main thing that should be understood is that citrus fruits can offer both ascorbic acid and citric acid, except that Vitamin C can only be from ascorbic acid.

Here is another scenario: a lemon is squeezed, and you now have your daily dose of Vitamin C. Right? Let’s find out the answer to that.

What is Ascorbic Acid?

Ascorbic acid, otherwise known as Vitamin C, is found in citrus fruits. Examples of these citrus fruits include oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, guava, kiwi, tangerines, nectarines, to name few. To be more precise, though, the fruits with the highest dose of Vitamin C would be guava, guyabano but not oranges, as are known to many.
It is considered a very good preservative. It keeps fruits and vegetables from turning brown.
It is one of the best aids in baking bread because it promotes the growth of yeast.
Health-wise, ascorbic acid is great in treating scurvy. Scurvy is caused because of one’s lack of Vitamin C.

What is Citric Acid?

Citric acid, on the other hand, is a natural component of citrus fruits, some fruits, and a few vegetables. It is synthetically produced from sugar. It is man-made.
It is used to improve the taste of certain products like soda and fruit-flavored candies. To some ice creams it is also added so fat globules will not coagulate.
It is considered a good additive.
It has a tart and tangy taste.
Health-wise, citric acid is said to boost energy. It is also known to help in one’s metabolism. As a fringe benefit, citric acid help in breaking down kidney stones and preventing new ones from forming and developing.

Summary:

Ascorbic acid is found in citrus fruits as well as citric acid, but citric acid does not contain Vitamin C.
Ascorbic acid is natural, citric acid is man-made, hence, synthetic.
Ascorbic acid is a great preservative.
Citric acid is a great additive.
Citric acid constitutes the tangy taste of certain food.

In summary, while there is very minimal difference in the chemical composition of both ascorbic acid and citric acid, that is, an additional oxygen atom in citric acid, the difference is so much more. There have been many discussions between the differences and similarities of both components.

What is certain though is its importance, not only to our body and health, but its benefits to cooking and in our daily lives. We certainly need Vitamin C in our day to day activities, whether young or old. In this way, ascorbic acid is quite a necessity; hence, we take our daily dose of Vitamin C.

In terms of citric acid, coming from the term ‘citrus’, we automatically assume that citric acid is equivalent to ascorbic acid because we naturally assume that we get a little dose of Vitamin C from citrus fruits. This is actually correct, but only to some extent. Knowing now that there are, indeed, several differences between ascorbic acid and citric acid will make it easier for you to make the distinction health-wise and food-wise.

Now, when you purchase certain food products at the grocery store, you definitely know what to look for as you peruse the list of ingredients.

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