Medical Application

• Medically, salts of citric acid are prescribed as anticoagulants. It is also used in the treatment of kidney stones because when it combines with calcium it reduces the size of deposits. This is also an excellent anti-stress and anti-fatigue medication as shown in a study by Dr Tomohiro Sugino (see reference 1). This is also a key ingredient in the preparation of anti-viral tissues (see reference 2).
  
  

Food Additive

• The most common application of anhydrous citric acid is for flavoring foods. It has a sour taste and preservative properties. It is extensively used in the preparation of soft drinks, jellies, jams and candy.
  
  

Cooking

• Since this is an odorless compound this is also used in regular cooking where sour taste is needed without the additional flavors of the normal ingredients, i.e. lemon or vinegar.
  
  

Wine and Beer Making

• This compound is used as an additive in manufacturing wine when the fruit does not contain enough acidity. Since it is inexpensive, it is also used to prepare low-cost wines. Citric acid is also used for brewing beer.
  
  

Photography

• Photographers use citric as a stop bath for developing film. The citric acid neutralizes the alkalinity of the developer and increases the efficacy of the stop bath.
  
  

Construction

• The application of citric acid to Portland cement moderates its setting time. Its addition slows down the process considerably.
  
  

Dyeing Aid

• Citric acid is used as a pH-balancing ingredient in food color. It is also used in the preparation of home dyes as an alternative to vinegar.
  
  

Cleaning

• Citric acid is an active ingredient in detergents and soaps due to its chelating properties. Its inclusion in cleaning agents increases their ability to foam because it softens the water. Most people use it as a home remedy to remove stubborn stains on furniture and glass. It is so effective that it can also be use to remove rust stains from steel.