Citric acid intolerance

Citric acid intolerance is a little-known type of food intolerance in which sufferers report various symptoms in response to foods or other products containing citric acid that they attribute neither to its properties as an acid nor to an Aspergillus niger hypersensitivity. (In addition to foods naturally rich in citric acid, the fungus Aspergillus niger is a common source of citric acid.)
A form of citrate metabolism called the Citric acid cycle is an essential step in the production of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for human beings and all other eukaryotes. This process takes place in the mitochondria of all cells that contain them. However, according to a website by Vicky Clarke, some people report gas, migraines, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, or skin rashes after contact with citric acid.
As with all food intolerances, symptoms may vary between individuals and can mimic those of a food allergy. It mimics allergies to such a degree that some people refer to it as a Citric Acid Allergy. A food intolerance (sometimes called food sensitivity) is a body's inability to digest certain compounds in food. The reasons that this happens seems to be caused by several factors, and more research needs to be done to determine what all of these factors are.
Food intolerances appear to cause reactions in direct proportion to the amount of the offending substance ingested, whereas, any amount of an allergen will cause the immune system to react. According to a website by Luke Hawthorne, in addition to abdominal problems, other reactions to citric acid have been experienced, including hives and other rashes, blurred vision, rhinitis and difficulty breathing.
It's vitally important to determine whether or not a person has an allergy or an intolerance, and the only way to do this is to see a licensed doctor, preferably an allergist or other specialist.
Feeding someone with citric acid intolerance
There are a multitude of foods that contain citric acid. Any sufferer from this intolerance will know the difficulty that arises from not being able to eat everal of the common staples of many people's diet. Vicky Clarke's website outlines some of the foods that contain citric acid and so must be avoided.
When buying always check the ingredients list not only for citric acid expressly stated, but also for ingredients such as lemon juice. Desserts containing fruit should usually be avoided, as should industrially produced cakes as they tend to use citric acid to preserve the product.
The list of foods here is meant as a guideline and is not all inclusive.
Foods containing citic acid
These are to be avoided at all costs by those with an intolerance:
* Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit etc.
* Most fruits. Exceptions are pears and apples. Beware dried fruits such as raisins which tend to be included in a lot of foods. Again, check the ingredient list.
* Wine
* Almost all berries (Blueberries being one known exception that do not contain citric acid.)
* Cheese
* Tomatoes
* Lettuce
* Jerusalem artichokes
Foods that are citric acid free
This website http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~vclarke/citric_foods.html contains citric acid free recipes.
Foods that do not include citic acid are those such as:
* Bread (although sourdough and rye bread contain citric acid, as do some cheaper brands. Check the label.)
* Pasta
* Rice
* Noodles
* Potatoes
* Fresh meat
* Butter and margerine. Always check the packet as some add citric acid as a preservative.
* Some brands of mayonnaise. Again, check the ingredients.
* Oil (unless lemon juice has been added)
* Ice-cream (although some cheaper brands add citric acid as a preservative. Always check)
Ready salted crisps are usually ok, but other flavours tend to use citric acid as a binding agent. Check the label.
Citric acid free vegetables include:
* Peas
* Sweetcorn
* Carrots
* Sweet peppers
* Mushrooms
* Courgette
* Garlic
* Onion
Drinks
Milk does not contain citric acid. Neither do tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Beware fruit flavoured dilutable drinks. The berry ones contain citric acid (even if not listed in the ingredients - the berries contain citric acid. If the juice is made with the berries it contains the acid). Apple flavoured dilutes may be citric acid free, but check the label that it has not been used as a preservative.
Fruit juices are to be avoided, with the exception of apple juice (check the label though as some companies use citric acid as a preservative). Some people say cranberry juice is also acceptable, however as cranberries themselves contain citric acid this would need to be trialed by the individual.
Fizzy drinks that do NOT contain citric acid:
* Dr. Pepper
* Coca Cola
* Apple Tango
That is not to say that all other fizzy drinks will definitely contain citric acid - always check the label.

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