citric acid

draperygoddess · Post by **draperygoddess** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 5:48 pm

I'm investigating the possibility that citric acid may be the common factor among the things that seem to be giving me trouble. Does anyone here have a citric acid intolerance? I would love to hear from you! Do you notice symptoms specific to citric acid (as opposed to our other intolerances)? What foods give you the most trouble?

There seems to be some disagreement over which foods contain citric acid naturally. Of course, all citrus fruits, as well as pineapple, all berries but blueberries, and tomatoes. But some lists also include stone fruits and bananas. Any thoughts?[/quote]

Post by **tex** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 8:49 pm

I couldn't tolerate any form of citric acid while I was recovering, (neither the natural form nor the version made from corn). It caused nausea, followed by D.

Tex

beni · Post by **beni** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 1:38 am

before I was told I had LC I noticed I couldnt drink orange juice but gradually have realized lemon juice is out too which really p.....s me off as this is my favourite fruit Beni

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 5:33 am

I too am one that avoids citric acid since it seems to cause me nausea.

Love, Maggie

draperygoddess · Post by **draperygoddess** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 7:37 am

Nausea has always been an intermittant problem for me, but this goes beyond--I am literally swelling up like I swallowed a beachball, and it happens FAST. Yesterday I drank about 2-3 oz. of v-8 and watched as my belly expanded. I already know I have a problem with tomatoes, but I suspect there may be more to it than that. If my reaction was actually to citric acid, and not to the tomatoes per se, then that would explain why I've also noticed problems after eating or drinking other fruits, as well as fruit-flavored candy like Starburst. Right now I have cut out all grains in an effort to narrow down the suspects, but obviously I'm still reacting to something.

Tex, on another note, I came across an article this morning that mentioned that dextrose is derived from potatoes, and that most commercially available baking powder and yeast contain potato. Would this include the protein of the potato? Since I know I react to potato starch (and most people with potato problems don't), I'm wondering whether I need to look into this more carefully.

Also testing whether it's the morning coffee or what I'm eating with it that I'm reacting to. Yesterday I had coffee--seemed to be fine--had another cup and some applesauce, then had belly pain the rest of the day. Today I'm skipping the applesauce and will see what happens.

Post by **tex** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 8:11 am

Cynthia,

I believe that in the U. S., most dextrose is made from corn (since corn is the cheapest feedstock available), but it can be made from virtually any plant starch, and potato dextrose is certainly available to any processor who chooses to use it. Since food grade dextrose is not chemically pure, it always contains various residues from the feedstock, so anyone sensitive to potatoes would probably be sensitive to potato dextrose.

Likewise, people sensitive to corn will almost surely be sensitive to most of the dextrose used in this country.

Tex

draperygoddess · Post by **draperygoddess** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:57 am

Thanks for the clarification, Tex--it could have been an article from somewhere else, I didn't check.

Had two cups of coffee this morning--no belly pain, no bloating. It's my understanding that apples aren't particularly high in citric acid, but are high in malic acid, right?

Post by **tex** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 12:02 pm

Cynthia wrote:It's my understanding that apples aren't particularly high in citric acid, but are high in malic acid, right?

You're right on target.

Tex

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 6:40 pm

Cynthia,

I started out thinking citric acid caused the problem I had with fruit. Eventually, I had to give up all fruit and suspected fructose instead. I've been eating mango for a couple of months, but am beginning to wonder if it is responsible for my symptoms. I don't even want to test my suspicions.

Gloria

draperygoddess · Post by **draperygoddess** » Thu Jun 14, 2012 9:46 am

Gloria,

I am so hoping it's not the fructose! Citric acid is bad enough. Right now I feel like I can't ever get enough to eat. I'm eating mango and pear right now--we'll see if that continues! I've also noticed that black tea tends to make me nauseated, though coffee and green tea don't. What's that all about?

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Thu Jun 14, 2012 8:56 pm

Cynthia wrote:I've also noticed that black tea tends to make me nauseated, though coffee and green tea don't. What's that all about?

I hope someone else can answer your question. My only beverage is water - it's the safest thing for me.

Gloria

Post by **tex** » Thu Jun 14, 2012 8:59 pm

As far as I could tell, black tea never bothered me.

Tex

JFR · Post by **JFR** » Fri Jun 15, 2012 4:44 am

From what I have read black tea has a higher histamine content than green tea. Could that be the reason? I've only been drinking green tea and coffee. They don't bother me.

Jean

draperygoddess · Post by **draperygoddess** » Fri Jun 15, 2012 9:32 pm

Hmm...wonder if that's it. I'm taking a half dose of Zyrtec daily to combat any histamine-related issues, but obviously I'm still having a reaction to something, because the bumpy fingers are back. I do have to say that my nausea issues are much less frequent since going GF/DF last fall. Coffee is my last vice--if I ever have to give that one up, I may have a little pity party!

carolm · Post by **carolm** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 2:41 am

Cynthia, I couldn't eat commercial applesauce that contained ascorbic acid as a preservative. It gave me heartburn and an upset stomach within a few minutes. I tried a couple of brands and as long as it had ascorbic acid in it, it was problematic. That could relate to your citric acid concerns.

Carol