1. Sodium Citrate: It possesses good pH buffering capacity, metal ion chelating ability, and safety.
2. Calcium Citrate: An important calcium nutritional fortifier and functional additive.
3. Ferric Ammonium Citrate: Primarily used for iron fortification in food, such as in preventing iron deficiency anemia.
4. Potassium Citrate: This salt is a good source of potassium.
5. Magnesium Citrate: Mainly used as an osmotic laxative for bowel cleansing.
6. Zinc Citrate: An important source of zinc.
7. Citric Acid: Primarily used as a natural preservative, acidulant, pH regulator, metal cleaner, and intermediate in cosmetics and chemical industries.

Core Functions

Despite their variety, the core functions of citrates can be summarized as follows, which also form the basis for their widespread application:

1. Excellent Chelating Agent: Capable of strongly binding metal ions (such as calcium, magnesium, iron), which is crucial in water softening, preventing food oxidation and discoloration, medical anticoagulation, and treating mineral deficiencies.

2. Safe pH Buffer: Stabilizes the acidity or alkalinity of a system and is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

3. High Biocompatibility and Safety: Most citrates are generally recognized as safe for use in food and medicine.

4. Provider of Essential Nutrients: Serves as an excellent carrier and supplemental form of mineral elements such as calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, and magnesium.

Therefore, from our daily food and beverages, health products, and pharmaceuticals to household cleaning and industrial production, citrates play an indispensable role.