question about citric acid

[labomb]

I am sure I read somewhere not to give citrus fruits to the cresties. what about the baby food that has added citric acid? Is this the same? I started to give peaches/bananas mixed baby food and I noticed the added citric acid on the label. I don't like giving bananas too much and thought the mixed might not be so bad once in awhile. you really got to watch those labels.

[Tigergenesis]

I avoid those baby foods just to be safe. I also avoid any with added preservatives, coloring, etc.

You're right, you do have to watch the labels.

[DragnDrop]

Citric acid is naturally present in almost all forms of life, and excess citric acid is readily metabolized and eliminated from the body. I have often read not to use foods high in citric acid as food for Rhacs and other fruit eating geckos, and I admit passing on this same info. However, I'm convinced the actual food to avoid is excess citrus fruit, not citric acid. Since I have never been able to trace the citric acid story to any extent, and it doesn't really do harm to avoid excess, I've continued to pass on this bit of info.
Since citric acid is so common, it's hard to avoid it no matter what you feed the geckos, be it home-made or store bought food. Just try not to go hog wild with citrus foods or add citric acid to any mix you might be making. If you check food labels and even cleaning product ingredients, you'll find it's hard to avoid citric acid.