Copper citrate, a copper salt of citric acid, is produced through the reaction of citric acid with a copper source, often copper carbonate or copper hydroxide [1]. The process involves dissolving the copper compound in citric acid solution, leading to the formation of copper citrate, which is then purified, filtered, and dried to obtain the final product [2]. Controlling pH, temperature, and reactant ratios is crucial for achieving high purity and desired particle size [3].
Copper citrate serves primarily as a bioavailable form of copper for nutritional supplementation and food fortification [4]. Copper is essential for various physiological processes, including iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and neurological function [5]. Copper citrate's solubility and bioavailability make it an effective source of this essential mineral [6].
Copper citrate is utilized in dietary supplements, fortified foods, and beverages to address copper deficiency [7]. Copper deficiency can lead to anemia, bone abnormalities, and impaired immune function [8]. Its application extends to animal feed as a nutritional additive [9].
Copper citrate should be stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and incompatible substances [10]. Proper storage ensures its stability and prevents degradation, maintaining its quality and efficacy over its shelf life [11].
Citations:
[1] O'Neil, M.J. (Ed.). (2013). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Royal Society of Chemistry.
[2] Roider, J., & Petutschnig, A. (2022). Stoichiometry and particle properties during citric acid production by Aspergillus niger. AMB Express, 12(1), 143.
[3] Maares, M., & Dichtl, M. (2013). Occurrence, function and content of copper in foods and drinking water. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 57(6), 947-958.
[4] Turnlund, J. R. (1998). Human copper requirements. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 67(5 Suppl), 960S-972S.
[5] Uauy, R., Olivares, M., Gonzalez, M., & Speisky, H. (1998). Essentiality of copper in humans. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 67(5 Suppl), 952S-959S.
[6] Linder, M. C. (Ed.). (1991). Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism with Clinical Applications (2nd ed.). Elsevier Science Publishing Co, Inc.
[7] Gropper, S. S., Smith, J. L., Groff, J. L. (2018). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. Cengage Learning.
[8] Kumar, N. (2022). Copper deficiency. Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 28(1), 140-167.
[9] Spears, J. W. (2003). Trace mineral bioavailability and interactions in ruminant nutrition. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 16(10), 1428-1436.
[10] Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 of 9 March 2012 laying down specifications for food additives listed in Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Official Journal of the European Union, L 83/1.
[11] Wawrzyniak, P., Bartkiene, E., Schlothauer, R. C., Lebert, A., Kurek, M., Cheikh-Ali, Z., & De Saeger, S. (2022). Stability of Food and Feed Contaminants During Storage and Processing. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 21(1), 910-952.
As the plant manager, I focus on the precise formulation and efficient production of food additives. We rigorously control the production process to ensure the quality and safety of each product, meeting industry standards. 🍴
