What Happens If You Have Too Much Citric Acid in Your Body?

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes manufactured citric acid as generally safe, excessive intake can lead to adverse health effects such as dental enamel erosion, stomach upset, and, in rare cases, allergic reactions. It is important to understand the potential consequences of consuming too much citric acid, especially from processed foods.

Quick Summary

Excessive intake of citric acid, particularly the manufactured kind used in processed foods, may cause dental enamel damage, stomach irritation, and joint pain in sensitive individuals. The synthetic version, produced via a mold, differs from naturally occurring citric acid in fresh fruits.

Key Points

Dental Erosion Risk: Excessive intake of citric acid, especially from concentrated processed foods, can damage and erode tooth enamel over time.
Gastrointestinal Upset: High consumption can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea, abdominal pain, or exacerbating acid reflux symptoms.
Inflammatory Response: Rare but reported cases link manufactured citric acid to inflammatory reactions, including joint pain and respiratory issues, possibly due to mold residues from its production.
Source Matters: Natural citric acid from fruits is generally safe, whereas manufactured citric acid, produced using a fungus, carries potential risks for some individuals.
Mineral Chelation Issues: In severe, medically-induced high-citrate states (like dialysis anticoagulation), high citrate levels can bind to and reduce plasma calcium, leading to metabolic and cardiac problems.
Moderation is Key: For most people, limiting highly acidic processed foods and opting for natural sources is the best way to avoid adverse health effects.

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and limes. It is also widely used as a food additive, preservative, and flavoring agent in countless processed foods and beverages. While moderate consumption from natural sources is generally benign and offers health benefits, a high intake of manufactured citric acid—produced through a fermentation process involving the fungus Aspergillus niger—is associated with several potential health issues. Understanding the difference between these sources is key to assessing the risks of overconsumption.

The Difference Between Natural and Manufactured Citric Acid

Natural citric acid is a vital component of the metabolic process in living organisms, helping to convert food into energy. In contrast, the manufactured version dominates the market due to its cost-effectiveness and scalability. This industrial process, which utilizes black mold, has been a subject of scrutiny, with some experts suggesting potential health implications for a small number of people. The final manufactured product is chemically identical to the natural compound, but concerns remain about residual mold proteins or other byproducts from the fermentation.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Excess Citric Acid

Consuming large amounts of citric acid can lead to a variety of side effects, ranging from mild to severe. These risks are predominantly linked to the high concentration found in processed products rather than the amount in whole fruits.

Dental Health Issues:

Enamel Erosion: The high acidity of concentrated citric acid can wear away tooth enamel over time, leading to sensitivity, discoloration, and an increased risk of cavities. This is a common problem for individuals who frequently consume highly acidic foods and beverages like sodas and sour candies.
Dental Sensitivity: As enamel erodes, the sensitive dentin underneath becomes exposed, causing pain or discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sugary items.

Gastrointestinal Problems:

Stomach Upset: Ingesting large quantities of citric acid can cause irritation of the stomach lining, resulting in symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Acid Reflux: For individuals with pre-existing conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), high citric acid intake can exacerbate symptoms such as heartburn.

Inflammatory Responses and Allergies:

Allergic Reactions: Though rare, allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to manufactured citric acid have been reported. Some research suggests that these reactions might be triggered by residual components from the mold used in its production. Reported symptoms include:
- Skin irritation, including hives and swelling
- Respiratory issues, such as wheezing or shortness of breath
- Joint pain and stiffness
Systemic Inflammation: A 2018 report found that some individuals who consumed manufactured citric acid experienced systemic inflammatory symptoms, suggesting a potential link to conditions like juvenile idiopathic arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Health Conditions Linked to High Citrate Intake

While natural citrate is beneficial for preventing kidney stones, pharmacological doses or other high-intake scenarios can sometimes lead to issues, particularly in critically ill patients or those with underlying conditions.

Metabolic Abnormalities: In clinical settings like continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), where citrate is used as an anticoagulant, excess citrate can accumulate. In patients with liver failure, this can lead to metabolic complications including acidosis or alkalosis.
Mineral Chelation: High levels of citrate can chelate, or bind to, minerals in the body, which can cause electrolyte disturbances. In severe cases of citrate toxicity, this can lead to low plasma calcium levels, potentially causing cardiac arrhythmias and other severe health issues.
Altered Metabolism: A study in mice suggested that exogenous citrate, particularly when combined with sucrose, may contribute to visceral fat tissue inflammation and altered glucose metabolism, indicating potential links to early insulin resistance.

Comparison: Natural vs. Manufactured Citric Acid

This table highlights the key differences between the two primary sources of citric acid.


Feature	Natural Citric Acid	Manufactured Citric Acid
Source	Found in fruits (lemons, limes, berries) and vegetables	Produced from fermentation of sugars (e.g., cornstarch) by the fungus Aspergillus niger
Purity	Occurs with other beneficial nutrients like Vitamin C	Chemically identical to natural version, but may contain mold residue from production
Health Impact	Generally safe and beneficial; helps prevent kidney stones	Generally safe, but high intake linked to dental erosion, stomach upset, and potential allergic/inflammatory reactions
Typical Intake	Consumed as part of a balanced diet	Often consumed in high, concentrated amounts via processed foods and beverages

Navigating a High-Citric Acid Diet

For most people, the amount of citric acid consumed from natural fruits is not a concern. However, those who consume large quantities of processed foods, energy drinks, or supplements containing manufactured citric acid should be mindful of their intake. To mitigate potential risks, consider the following:

Limit Processed Foods: Reduce consumption of sodas, candies, and other processed items that are high in citric acid.
Rinse Your Mouth: After consuming acidic foods or drinks, rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acid and protect tooth enamel.
Choose Natural Sources: Opt for whole fruits over juices and processed snacks to get citric acid in a less concentrated form, along with other nutrients.
Consult a Professional: If you experience unexplained inflammatory symptoms, digestive issues, or dental problems and suspect manufactured citric acid could be a factor, consult a doctor or dentist.

Conclusion

While citric acid is a crucial metabolic intermediate and a useful preservative, overconsumption, particularly of its manufactured form, is not without potential downsides. Side effects such as dental erosion, gastrointestinal discomfort, and rare inflammatory reactions highlight the importance of moderation and vigilance, especially for sensitive individuals. For most people, a balanced diet rich in whole foods and low in processed items is the best way to enjoy the benefits of citric acid without experiencing its adverse effects. For further reading, consult authoritative sources on dietary guidelines and food additives like WebMD or Healthline.

Note: The risks associated with manufactured citric acid are distinct from those of natural citric acid found in whole fruits. Anyone with severe or persistent symptoms should seek medical advice.

WebMD on Citric Acid: Benefits, Uses, and Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. While chemically identical, natural citric acid comes from fruits and vegetables. The manufactured version, found in most processed foods, is produced through fermentation by the black mold Aspergillus niger and may contain trace mold residues that can affect sensitive individuals.

The most common signs include dental issues like sensitive teeth and enamel erosion, along with digestive problems such as stomach upset, nausea, and acid reflux.

In rare cases, manufactured citric acid has been linked to inflammatory reactions in sensitive people, with reported symptoms including joint and muscle pain. Some experts suggest these reactions could be related to mold residues from the production process.

A true allergy to the citric acid molecule is very rare. However, sensitivities or reactions to manufactured citric acid are possible, potentially triggered by the mold or other substances used in its production.

To protect your tooth enamel, limit acidic foods and beverages. When you do consume them, consider using a straw and rinse your mouth with water afterward. Avoiding brushing immediately after consuming acidic items can also help.

No, citric acid is not the same as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), though they are both present in many citrus fruits and are acids. They have different chemical formulas and fulfill different roles in the body.

For people with sensitive stomachs or conditions like GERD, high amounts of citric acid can worsen symptoms like heartburn and stomach irritation. It is best to monitor your intake and stick to natural sources in moderation.