Citric Acid & Citrates: Trusted Ingredients for Pharma and Nutraceuticals
In both pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, quality and consistency are non-negotiable. Whether it’s a prescription medicine, an over-the-counter supplement, or a functional product in health and wellness, every formulation must meet strict standards for safety, stability and effectiveness.
This is where citric acid and citrates play a central role. With diverse functionality and a long track record of safe use, they are reliable building blocks for pharma (excipient) and nutraceutical applications.
Citric Acid in Pharmaceuticals
Citric acid is one of the most widely used organic acids in the pharmaceutical industry. Its versatility makes it an important excipient in many applications:
Key Functions of Citric Acid in Pharma
Excipients in tablets – Citric acid supports effervescent tablets by aiding dissolution, improving taste, and supporting patient compliance.
pH regulation – Many drug formulations require a stable pH for effectiveness. Citric acid provides reliable adjustment and buffering capacity.
Stabilization – As a chelating agent, citric acid binds trace metals that could otherwise destabilize sensitive formulations.
Improved patient experience – Citric acid enhances flavour in oral medicines, encouraging consistent use.
By combining performance and safety, citric acid is a trusted excipient in modern pharmaceutical development.
Citrates in Pharmaceuticals
Citrate salts, such as sodium citrate and trisodium citrate dihydrate, also bring significant value to pharmaceutical applications:
Buffering and stabilization – Citrates maintain the right pH, improving stability and the effectiveness of active ingredients.
Excipient functions – They improve solubility and support reliable disintegration of tablets, especially in effervescent forms.
Versatility – Citrates are compatible with a broad range of compounds, giving formulators flexibility in design.
Thanks to their safety and multifunctionality, citrates are well established in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Citric Acid and Citrates in Nutraceuticals
The nutraceutical market — covering vitamins, dietary supplements, and functional foods — is one of the fastest-growing areas in health and wellness. Here too, citric acid and citrates are widely used:
Applications in Nutraceuticals
Effervescent supplements – Citric acid, combined with sodium bicarbonate, produces effervescent tablets and powders that dissolve easily in water for consumer convenience.
Stability and shelf life – Citric acid and citrates protect formulations by maintaining pH and binding trace metals.
Improved taste and mouthfeel – Citric acid masks unpleasant flavours, making supplements more appealing for daily use.
Bioavailability support – Citrates can enhance solubility of certain active ingredients, supporting absorption in the body.
By improving stability, taste, and usability, citric acid and citrates help consumers trust and stick to their supplement routines.
Benefits for Pharma and Nutraceuticals
Across both sectors, the advantages of citric acid and citrates are clear:
Safe – Extensively studied and recognized for their safety in medicines and supplements.
Versatile – Multiple functions from buffering to flavour enhancement.
Consumer-friendly – Better taste and usability in oral dosage forms.
Sustainable – Naturally derived through fermentation and aligned with demand for responsible health and wellness solutions.
Citribel: A Reliable Partner for Pharma and Nutraceuticals
At Citribel, we understand the demands of the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. With more than 100 years of experience in citric acid production, we offer:
Why Choose Citribel?
Pharmaceutical-grade quality – Produced under strict systems that comply with international standards.
Circular production – Up to 90% of our resources are reused, making us one of Europe’s most sustainable citric acid producers.
Consistent supply – Reliable logistics and production to support global customers.
Trusted expertise – Decades of experience working with pharma and nutraceutical partners worldwide.
By combining quality, sustainability, and reliability, Citribel helps customers develop products with confidence.
Trusted Ingredients for Health and Wellness
From effervescent tablets to dietary supplements, citric acid and citrates are cornerstones of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations. Their proven functionality, safety, and consumer-friendly properties make them highly valued ingredients in an industry built on trust.
With Citribel as your partner, you gain access to ingredients produced to the highest standards, supported by long-standing expertise and a circular approach. Together, we help deliver safe, effective, and sustainable products to patients and consumers alike.
