Káliumcitrátot

Káliumcitrátot, also known as potassium citrate, is the potassium salt of citric acid. Its chemical formula is K3C6H5O7. It is a white, crystalline powder that is odorless and has a slightly salty or sour taste. Káliumcitrátot is readily soluble in water and is insoluble in alcohol.

In its pure form, káliumcitrátot is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies for use as a food additive. It functions primarily as an acidity regulator, emulsifier, and sequestrant in various food products. It helps to control the pH of foods, preventing spoilage and enhancing flavor. It can also be found in beverages, dairy products, and processed meats.

Beyond its culinary applications, káliumcitrátot has significant medicinal uses. It is commonly prescribed to help prevent kidney stones by increasing the citrate levels in urine, which can inhibit the formation of calcium oxalate stones. It is also used to treat metabolic acidosis, a condition where the body has too much acid. In some cases, it may be used as a potassium supplement, although this is less common than other potassium salts. The production of káliumcitrátot typically involves the reaction of potassium carbonate or potassium bicarbonate with citric acid.