Citric acid is an organic acid found in fruits such as plums and lemons, and is the main ingredient in their acidity.
In 1937, the British biochemist Dr. H.A. Krebs elucidated the mechanism of human energy generation and discovered that citric acid plays a central role. For this theory of the "citric acid cycle" or "Krebs cycle," he was awarded the Nobel Prize.
In Japan, research by Dr. Shichiro Akiya of the University of Tokyo has attracted much attention. Dr. Akiya made the following discoveries
(1) During World War II, when citric acid was added to miso used on submarines to prevent mold, crew fatigue decreased and health improved.
Longer dives are now possible.
(2) We conducted an experiment in which we ourselves ingested citric acid and confirmed that the amount of lactic acid in our urine decreased.
These studies have scientifically proven that citric acid has important effects on fatigue recovery and health promotion, such as activating the citric acid cycle and inhibiting the production of lactic acid, a fatigue substance*.
