| Essence |
Calcium Citrate or E333 is a Calcium Salt of Citric Acid used in supplements and foods both as an active (beneficial) and as an inactive (additive) ingredient. As the active ingredient it offers Calcium, whereas as an inactive one, it is used as an acidity regulator, emulsifier, and firming agent. It presents itself as a white, odorless, tasteless powder. There are three different Calcium Citrates: 1) Monocalcium Citrate or E333(i), Dicalcium Citrate or E333(ii), and 2) Tricalcium Citrate or E333(iii). |
| Names |
Citric acid Calcium salt, Calcium citrate malate (CCM), Calcium Salt of Citric Acid, Calcium citrate tribasic, Citrate of calcium, Calcium dicitrate trihydrate, E333, Calcium Citrate, and others. |
| Sourcing |
It shares its sourcing ingredients with similar additives like Sodium Citrate (E331) and Potassium Citrate (E332). The most common starting point is Glucose. Other options include Fructose, Molasses, and Sucrose. |
| Manufacturing |
First, the sourcing ingredient is turned into Citric Acid (E330) (essentially, putting it through inoculation, fermentation, and purification). After that, Citric Acid and Calcium Carbonate or Calcium Hydroxide are dissolved in water and mixed. The outcome of that is then filtered by a filter press or a centrifuge and dried by spray drying, freeze drying, or oven drying. |
| Application |
Acidity regulator, emulsifier, and firming agent. Soluble in water. |
| Acceptable Daily Intake |
None determined. |
| Side Effects |
Very high amounts can lead to constipation or upset stomach. It may interact adversely with medications for thyroid function and antibiotics. In extreme amounts, kidney stones and hypercalcemia (too much Calcium in the blood) can happen which can lead to fatigue, confusion, nausea, and more. |
| Benefits |
As this substance offers us Calcium, it will inherently offer any Calcium-related benefits. Hence, this can improve bone health, aid muscle function, prevent colon cancer, lower blood pressure, help regulate blood sugar levels, promote healthy blood clotting, fight off osteoporosis, and more. |
| Studies |
570+ studies on Pubmed. 30+ studies on safety. |
| Allergens |
Corn may or may not be how Glucose is sourced. |
| Diet Restrictions |
None. |
| Health Knight Assessment |
Only Beneficial. | Hence, it’s a Category 0 Additive. |
| Products |
Calcium Citrate (E333) can be found in processed foods such as cheese, soy yogurts, coconut milk yogurts, and other non-diary yogurts, dairy yogurts, desserts, biscuits, spreads, muffins, yogurt drinks, pickled vegetables, cheese substitutes, jams, gummy candy, cakes, pastries, vegetarian salami, breakfast cereals, cereal bars, and more. |
