Calcium citrate stands as a compound drawn from the union of calcium and citric acid. Often found as a white, odorless solid, it plays a role in food, beverage, and healthcare industries. Its presence in supplement form addresses nutritional gaps and enhances calcium intake, especially for people with sensitive digestion. Laboratories rely on its solid, stable nature for analysis and formulation while food manufacturers see value in its solubility and safety as a fortifier and preservative.
The molecular formula for calcium citrate is C12H10Ca3O14. Each molecule carries three calcium ions bonded with citrate anions. Its structure shows strong ionic bonds, giving this compound significant stability. The molar mass comes in at about 498.43 g/mol, which matters for precise dosing and mixing. Fascination with its crystalline patterns goes beyond the textbook—it directly affects flow, mixing, and how the product behaves in storage or preparation. Under closer inspection, the material appears as fine, white powder, layered flakes, or small granules, depending on processing techniques at the manufacturing stage.
At room temperature, calcium citrate often takes the shape of a fine, odorless, white powder, sometimes pressed into flakes or pearlescent granules. Its density sits near 1.63 g/cm3. In this solid state, dusting may occur, and facilities often use dust control technology. This raw material does not dissolve quickly in cold water, yet with agitation in warm water or acidic liquid, it goes into solution more readily. This property matters to both industrial users and consumers since it affects bioavailability in digestive tracts and performance in food or beverage formulations.
This compound ships and stores as raw powder, crystalline solids, and sometimes as tiny pearls, depending on end-use. Bulk density and particle size vary from supplier to supplier, making it important to review any certificate of analysis before use in a production run. Typical moisture content rests below 10%, ensuring storage bins remain free from clumps or caking. Technical sheets often specify trace elements or contaminants to help buyers manage the risk of impurities in sensitive manufacturing settings.
On global trade documents, calcium citrate usually gets categorized under HS Code 29181500. This identifier connects to “citric acid and salts thereof.” In most jurisdictions, the compound earns its place as a safe, food-grade or pharmaceutical material. Despite its non-toxic nature at advised doses, safety data sheets flag certain hazards. Direct skin or eye contact with the raw powder causes mild irritation. Inhalation of dust can harm sensitive airways. Proper gloves, goggles, and dust masks hold greater importance in bulk processing plants. Material safety data sheets back these steps, which aligns with the move toward workplace hazard reduction and personal protection.
Calcium citrate bonds science and industry in a way that touches everyday products. On the lab bench, it serves as a standard for calcium titrations and nutritional evaluation. Within manufacturing, firms run everything from granulation trials for tablets to blending exercises in yogurt fortification. The powder’s flow properties feel different compared to more hydroscopic compounds like calcium chloride: it rarely clumps and generally keeps well in dry, sealed containers. These traits mean less downtime and fewer production line stoppages. Material scientists who work hands-on with calcium citrate look beyond its white color or odorless nature—they focus on handling, measurement, and consistent dosing, crucial in both regulated pharmaceuticals and bulk food additive processes.
Both distributors and end-users need to keep a close eye on dust management and waste from spills. While the compound lacks acute environmental toxicity, chronic excess discharge places stress on wastewater treatment systems. Keeping the compound contained helps both the workplace and the environment—not just for regulatory compliance, but to limit resource waste. In sustainable processing circles, teams push for better ways to recover and reuse any spilled or expired stock. These practices echo broader efforts in chemical supply chains to operate with less waste and more recycled input, reflecting real-world changes in policy and corporate responsibility.
Addressing the practical side of calcium citrate means looking at handling, accuracy, and end-use safety. Facilities benefit from investing in closed transfer systems and point-source dust extraction to limit exposure risks. Real-world results show that using batch-specific certificates of analysis, with full property and contaminant data, goes a long way in maintaining both safety and performance. Good storage—dry, cool, and away from strong oxidizers—prevents unwanted chemical reactions and product degradation. For smaller businesses, close collaboration with reputable suppliers guarantees consistent specifications and lot-to-lot quality. These hands-on steps keep material losses low and ensure compliance with national or international safety codes.
Chemical Name: Calcium Citrate
Molecular Formula: C12H10Ca3O14
Molar Mass: 498.43 g/mol
Physical Form: White powder, flakes, pearls, or crystalline solid
Density: ~1.63 g/cm3
Solubility: Slight in cold water, greater in warm or acidic solution
HS Code: 29181500
Hazard Tags: Mild irritant (dust, eyes, skin); low acute toxicity
Application Areas: Food fortification, supplements, lab reagents, raw material in chemical processing
Safe Handling: Store dry, control dust, use PPE, keep out of moisture and sunlight
Healthy, sustainable, and efficient use of calcium citrate starts at understanding its full story—from structure to safety to its role in the supply chain. My experience working across food science labs and production lines shows that it takes more than just trusting a data sheet; hands-on protocols, housekeeping, and team awareness turn this common material into a safe and valued ingredient. As research brings more clarity to long-term impacts and as global demand shifts, keeping safety and product quality at the forefront creates a better tomorrow, not just for industries, but for everyone down the line.
