Is E331 Harmful? Separating Fact from Fiction on Sodium Citrate

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to major health authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the food additive E331, or sodium citrate, is considered generally safe for consumption in typical food quantities. However, concerns often arise due to its widespread presence in many processed foods. So, is E331 harmful, or is its reputation misunderstood?

Quick Summary

E331, or sodium citrate, is a widely used food additive recognized as safe by regulatory bodies. While excessive medical doses can cause side effects, typical food levels are not harmful for most individuals. Certain health conditions warrant caution regarding sodium intake.

Key Points

Generally Recognized as Safe: Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA classify E331 (sodium citrate) as generally safe for consumption in food quantities.
Dosage Matters: Potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal upset or electrolyte imbalances, are associated with high medical doses, not the trace amounts found in food.
Functional Food Additive: E331 is a versatile food additive used as an emulsifier in cheese, an acidity regulator in drinks, and a preservative in other processed foods.
Caution for At-Risk Groups: People on low-sodium diets or with kidney or heart disease should be mindful of their intake, especially from high-dose supplements or medication.
Not an Allergen: Allergic reactions to sodium citrate are extremely rare, and it is not to be confused with MSG.
Insignificant Health Risk in Food: For most people, the amount of E331 in food is so low that it has a negligible effect on the body.

What is E331 (Sodium Citrate)?

E331 is the code for sodium citrates, which are the sodium salts of citric acid. While citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits, sodium citrate is a crystalline, white powder manufactured for use in food, beverages, and medicine. It's often referred to as 'sour salt' due to its mildly tart and salty flavor profile. The most common form found in food is trisodium citrate. The key takeaway is that it's a derivative of a natural substance, but the commercial version is synthesized for specific industrial applications.

Why is E331 in Our Food?

Food manufacturers rely on E331 for a variety of functional benefits that improve taste, texture, and shelf life. Its versatility makes it a valuable additive in a vast array of products:

Emulsifier: In processed cheese, E331 acts as a crucial emulsifying salt, preventing the fat and protein from separating when melted. This results in a smooth, creamy texture perfect for sauces and slices.
Acidity Regulator: It functions as a buffer, helping to control and stabilize the pH level in foods like jams, jellies, and carbonated soft drinks. In sodas, it tempers the sharp acidity of citric acid, creating a more balanced flavor.
Preservative and Antioxidant: By chelating metal ions, E331 can prevent the oxidation of fats and inhibit the growth of microorganisms, which helps to extend a product's shelf life.
Flavoring Agent: It provides a distinctive sour-salty taste that enhances the flavor of many products, including brats, club soda, and energy drinks.

Differentiating Dosage: Food vs. Medical

The potential for adverse effects from sodium citrate is heavily dependent on the dose. There is a significant difference in the amount and concentration of E331 found in processed food compared to that used in a clinical setting.

How Much is in Food?

In food applications, E331 is used in very small, carefully regulated quantities. This is why regulatory bodies classify it as safe for the general population. The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is 'not limited,' meaning it is not considered a health risk when used within good manufacturing practices. Any minor side effects, such as mild stomach discomfort, are extremely rare at these low levels and are not considered dangerous.

When is it Used as Medicine?

In medicine, sodium citrate is used in much higher, concentrated doses for specific therapeutic purposes. These include:

As an anticoagulant in blood transfusions.
To treat metabolic acidosis.
To alkalinize urine to prevent certain types of kidney stones. It is in these high medical dosages that side effects are more common and, in some cases, can be severe.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While generally harmless in food, high doses of sodium citrate can lead to adverse reactions, especially for individuals with certain health conditions or sensitivities. The most common side effects are related to the gastrointestinal system and electrolyte balance.

Potential Side Effects from High Medical Doses:

Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating.
Electrolyte imbalances: High sodium levels (hypernatremia) can cause confusion, increased thirst, and muscle weakness. Alkalosis (blood becomes too alkaline) can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, and cardiac issues.
Allergic reactions: Though rare, some individuals may experience rashes, itching, or swelling.
Increased blood pressure: High sodium content can be problematic for those with hypertension.

Who Should Be Cautious with Sodium Citrate?

While E331 is safe for the majority, certain individuals should monitor their intake, particularly from supplements or medications. This includes:

Patients with kidney disease: As kidneys regulate electrolytes, impaired function can exacerbate imbalances caused by high sodium levels.
Individuals on sodium-restricted diets: The 'sodium' in sodium citrate contributes to overall sodium intake, which is a concern for people with high blood pressure or heart failure.
People with certain metabolic conditions: Disorders like Addison's disease or hyperkalemia require careful management of electrolyte intake.

Is E331 Harmful? Food vs. Medical Use


Feature	E331 in Food	E331 in Medicine
Dosage	Very low, regulated amounts.	High, therapeutic concentrations.
Regulatory Status	GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by FDA and approved by EFSA.	Monitored and prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Intended Use	Flavoring, emulsifier, preservative.	Treating specific medical conditions.
Risk of Side Effects	Extremely low for most individuals.	More common, and can be serious, especially for at-risk groups.
Effect on the Body	Minimal to non-existent at typical levels.	Can significantly affect blood pH and electrolyte levels.

Conclusion: Context is Key

The question, "Is E331 harmful?" cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. For the vast majority of the population consuming E331 in food, it is considered safe and poses no serious health risks. Global regulatory bodies have reviewed and approved its use, affirming its safety at typical dietary levels. The negative effects often associated with sodium citrate are primarily linked to the much higher doses used in medical treatments or supplements, not the trace amounts in a slice of cheese or a soda. Individuals with specific health concerns, particularly related to kidney function or sodium sensitivity, should be mindful of their total sodium intake from all sources, including food additives. However, for most, E331 is a benign, functional ingredient that plays a quiet but important role in modern food production.

More information on E331 can be found on the FDA website regarding their GRAS classification. GRAS Notification for Trisodium Citrate

Frequently Asked Questions

E331 is the food additive code for sodium citrates, which are the sodium salts of citric acid. It is used as a preservative, flavor enhancer, and emulsifier in many processed foods and drinks.

No. E331 is the sodium salt of citric acid. While citric acid is a powerful acid, sodium citrate is a buffer that can regulate acidity and has a milder, saltier taste.

E331 is found in a wide range of products, including processed cheese, sodas, jams, jellies, ice cream, yogurt, and certain types of processed meat like brats.

At the small concentrations used in food, E331 is unlikely to cause stomach problems for most people. Minor issues like mild discomfort are very rare. Problems are more likely with the much higher doses used in certain medicines.

People on a sodium-restricted diet should be aware that E331 is a source of sodium. While the amount in any single product is small, it contributes to overall sodium intake. Individuals with specific health conditions like heart or kidney disease should exercise caution.

Regulatory bodies have found no evidence of long-term health risks associated with E331 consumption at the levels used in food. Concerns generally apply to high medical doses, not standard dietary exposure.

Yes, E331 is considered safe in food and beverage amounts for children and pregnant women. In fact, it is often included in cosmetics for children and has not been shown to have negative effects on pregnant women.