Salts of citric acid, a common constitutent of foodstuffs like lime and lemons, and an intermediate product in metabolic process in the body. Citric acid is used as an acidulant in soft drinks, and citrates are used for buffering formulated foods against changes in their acid-alkali balance.
An intermediate in the citric acid cycle; the essential starting metabolite for fatty acid synthesis in the cytosol.
A compound of citric acid and a base.
Any compound derived from citric acid. When ingested, citrates help balance the acidity of urine, turning it more alkaline. This can provide significant relief to patients dealing with bladder inflammation.