| Essence |
Potassium Citrate or E332 is a Potassium Salt of Citric Acid that is commonly used in food and other as an acidity regulator and emulsifier and presents itself as a white crystalline powder that has a slightly salty and sour taste. There are two different Potassium Citrates: 1) Monopotassium Citrate or E332(i) and 2) Tripotassium Citrate or E332(ii). |
| Names |
Citric acid potassium salt, Potassium Salt of Citric Acid, Potassium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate, Potassium citrate monohydrate, Potassium citrate anhydrous, 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic Acid Tripotassium Salt Monohydrate, CAS 866-84-2, E332, Potassium Citrate, and others. |
| Sourcing |
A couple of starting ingredients can work. These include Glucose, Fructose, Sucrose, and Molasses. The former is the most commonly used. |
| Manufacturing |
The idea is quite similar to how Sodium Citrate (E331) is made. Meaning, to produce this substance, Citric Acid (E330) has to be manufactured first (in short this can be done through inoculation, fermentation, and, finally, purification). And from this point, it can be done in two ways: either by heat or by neutralization. In the first case, Citric acid is dissolved in water and either Potassium Hydroxide or Potassium Carbonate is added. When the desired pH level is reached, it is heated. This removes any excess water (and creates the additive). In the second case, it can be done by neutralizing Citric Acid with either Potassium Bicarbonate or Potassium Hydroxide which is then purified and dried. |
| Application |
Acidity regulator, antioxidant, emulsifier, buffering agent, and (somewhat) preservative. Highly soluble in water and a synthetic ingredient. |
| Acceptable Daily Intake |
None determined. |
| Side Effects |
For some select few people, high amounts of it can lead to upset stomach, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. This additive also provides our bodies with Potassium, hence overdose of Potassium may occur in very high amounts (which will typically lead to tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. It can react negatively with diuretics, Potassium-sparing drugs, ACE inhibitors, and other medications. Prolonged use and combination with other alkaline substances can lead to alkalosis. |
| Benefits |
It can aid bone health, prevent kidney stones, promote healthy blood pressure levels, boost muscle function, support digestive health, reduce the risk of stroke, as well as, essentially, work as an anti-inflammation tool to improve overall health. It is also commonly used as an active ingredient in various supplements. |
| Studies |
875+ studies on Pubmed. 40+ studies on safety. |
| Allergens |
It may or may not be created from Corn. |
| Diet Restrictions |
None. |
| Health Knight Assessment |
Only Beneficial. | Hence, it’s a Category 0 Additive. |
| Products |
Potassium Citrate (E332) can be found in processed foods like jellies, energy drinks, soft drinks, sugar, pastries, yogurts, pies (including Tropezian), desserts, cakes, biscuits, candy, fish fillets, bears, gummies, desserts, salty potato snacks (including chips), cupcakes, chocolate bars, sweets, ice creams, raw sugar, oat milk, almond milk, chocolate milk, soy milk breakfast cereal, sauces, crisps, cookies, chocolate snacks, premade pasta dishes, sorbets, dressings, protein drinks, coffee drinks, juices, hams, and more. |
