Both Citric acid and Vitamin C (also known as Ascorbic acid) are found in many types of fruits. Each acid either exists alone or co-exist with the other acid.
Citric acid is not to be confused as vitamin C and vice versa. The main reason is due to their molecular formula.
Chemical formula for citric acid is C6H8O7. It means, citric acid contains 6 carbon, 8 hydrogen, and 7 oxygen. Molar mass of Citric acid anhydrous and Citric acid monohydrate are 192.124 g/mol , and
210.14 g/mol respectively.
210.14 g/mol respectively.
Instead, chemical formula for vitamin C is C6H8O6. It contains 6 carbon, 8 hydrogen, and 6 oxygen. Its molar mass is 176.12 g/mol.
Let’s take a look at their chemical structures:
Citric acid Vitamin C
Most experts say Citric acid lacks of nutritive value. This is the reason why nutritionists or dietetic experts never recommend it as a supplement.
The following are some of biological activities of Citric acid: anti-amylase inhibitor, antiatherosclerotic, antibacterial, anticalculic, anticoagulant, Antileishmanic, antimutagenic, antioxidant synergist, antiseborrheic, antiseptic, antitubercular, antitumor, disinfectant.
Mr Tips says, “God al-Mighty has His reason as to why He creates certain chemical compounds in His creations including fruits. Besides imparting varying tastes, scents, textures and looks, each of His creation provide unique nutritive and medicinal values for human beings.”
