As an organic compound, you can find Malic acid in things you regularly eat, such as apples. It is also found in wine and several other food sources.
Yes, it occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables.
You can also find it in supplements and skin care products. In those cases, sometimes it's natural, but sometimes it's synthetic.
It is actually considered an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), a group of acids that are often included in skin care products for their skin-rejuvenating abilities.
AHAs are known to help with a variety of skin problems, including wrinkles, dry skin, and acne.
The body uses it to produce energy, which is why some people take it as a supplement for health problems such as chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. It is also sometimes used to enhance athletic performance.
But that’s not all! Read on to learn more about this interesting natural compound.
Swedish pharmacist Carl Wilhelm Scheele originally discovered this acid in apples in 1785. The name Malic acid actually comes from the Latin name for apple, malum.
Apples are the number one natural source. In fact, more than 90% of the total acid content in apples is Malic acid.
One definition of Malic acid is: crystalline acid found in unripe apples and other fruits. The molecular formula of Malic acid is C?H?O?.
As you can see, the Malic acid structure consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Yes, it is an organic acid with a sour taste, which is why many natural foods have a sour or sour taste. It is also added to foods (such as candies) to make them sour.
The human body also produces this acid.
It plays an important role in the Krebs cycle, the sequence of energy-generating reactions key to life.
Malic acid has many uses in the food and cosmetic industries. In addition to its key role in the body, it is added to foods to make them sour, and to cosmetics to regulate their acidity.
Probably citric acid, but Malic acid is also often used. If you compare Malic acid and citric acid, they have a lot of similarities, but the pH of Malic acid is more acidic than the pH of citric acid.
Like Malic acid, citric acid is found naturally in vegetables and fruits, especially citrus fruits. It is also produced in living organisms during the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle).
Malic acid and citric acid both add sourness and act as preservatives.
Now, let’s look at the potential Malic acid benefits.
1. Universal energy booster
As mentioned earlier, Malic acid is produced by the body and is key to the Krebs Cycle participants. This cycle involves the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fatty acids to produce adenosine triphosphate, often shortened to ATP.
This complex complex of organic chemicals provides cellular energy to all living organisms on Earth.
2. Helps Treat Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The combination of magnesium and malic acid is considered an alternative treatment for fibromyalgia, but more research is needed. Some studies report significant improvements in fibromyalgia symptoms after supplementing with malic acid magnesium.
Malic acid Magnesium is also sometimes used for chronic fatigue syndrome.
What is Malic acid? It is a form of Malic acid.
The main symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is extreme fatigue. Fibromyalgia is another condition in which fatigue is the main symptom.
Since Malic acid plays an integral role in the energy-producing Krebs cycle that occurs in the body, it makes sense that some people choose to supplement with Malic acid in these situations. However, there is not a lot of research to date to support the use of Malic acid supplements in these conditions.
3. Promote better exercise performance
As a supplement, Malic acid is used to enhance exercise performance and prevent post-exercise muscle fatigue. It is sometimes taken with creatine, a very popular supplement for people who want to increase lean muscle mass.
A 2015 study published in Acta Physiologica Hungarica examined the effects of malic acid creatine supplementation on distance runners and sprinters. After six weeks of supplementation and strength training, the researchers observed a significant increase in growth hormone in the sprinter group, with improvements in physical performance in both sprinters and distance runners.
For distance runners, the distance they run has increased significantly.
4. Addresses common skin problems (such as wrinkles and acne)
It is not uncommon for this acid to be used in skin care products. Due to its antioxidant and exfoliating properties, it is commonly used to address a range of skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, enlarged pores, milia, warts, calluses, and more.
Sometimes it is naturally derived, but it can also be synthetic or artificial. It is often combined with glycolic acid and lactic acid.
Malic acid is a very effective skin refiner because it promotes the shedding of the outer layer of skin cells. The shedding it promotes can have anti-aging effects, as cell turnover slows as we age.
It also helps remove pore-clogging debris that can cause acne.
5. Improves Oral Health
Some studies show that this acid can improve symptoms of xerostomia (the fancy name for dry mouth) by stimulating saliva production in the mouth. Healthy saliva production also helps prevent oral bacterial overgrowth.
6. Promote iron absorption
Everyone needs to obtain iron from the diet. Getting enough of this nutrient is especially important for pregnant women and people with anemia.
One study suggests that vegetables rich in vitamin C and malic acid, such as tomatoes and potatoes, are excellent choices if you want to improve iron absorption.
Consumption of Malic acid in food is generally considered safe and does not cause any adverse Malic acid side effects.
On the other hand, consuming it as an additive, supplement, or in any synthetic form may cause side effects. For example, excessive consumption of Malic acid sugar (usually sour sugar) is known to cause irritation to the mouth, throat, or stomach.
Generally speaking, if you eat too much of anything with added malic acid, it may irritate your mouth.
Possible side effects of Malic acid supplements include stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, headache, or allergic reactions.
May cause skin or eye irritation when applied to skin. If you experience any adverse side effects, stop using products containing this acid.
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women to take as a supplement or medication. Because it may lower blood pressure, it is also not recommended for anyone prone to hypotension.
There is currently no research to support its use for gallstones. However, consuming whole, fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables that contain this acid may reduce your risk of gallstones.
If you have symptoms of gallstones, talk to your health care provider.
While eating too many fruits containing this acid can certainly raise blood sugar, this organic acid does not cause an increase in blood sugar levels. In fact, a recent scientific trial speculates that the malic acid and citric acid found in pomegranates are the main reason why this fruit can lower blood sugar responses both chronically and acutely.
Some sources say it can help improve lipolysis, but the weight loss benefits are unclear, so check with your doctor before using it for this purpose.
In general, consult your healthcare provider before supplementing with this acid, especially if you are being treated for a medical condition or currently taking medication. Keep supplements out of the reach of children.
You may be wondering which foods contain this organic substance.
Yes, lemons and citrus fruits contain it. Let’s look at a longer list of foods that contain this acid.
Malic acid foods include:
Many fruits, the richest source of which are apples. Other fruits include cherries, grapes, blackberries, lychees, mangoes, nectarines, strawberries, oranges and lemons.
Vegetables such as tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, peas, potatoes, tomatillos and rhubarb.
Wine and cider (made from apples)
The acid is also commonly added to beverages, including iced tea powder and fruit-flavored drinks. It is also found in fruit preserves, chewing gum, hard and gummy candies, and some baked goods.
The list also includes personal care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, cough syrup and throat lozenges.
What to look for in a Malic acid product
If you are considering a supplement with this acid, look for L-Malic acid rather than DL-Malic acid.
L-Malic acid is the naturally occurring form, while a mixture of L- and D-Malic acid is synthetically produced.
An example of a Malic acid supplement is Malic acid powder, which can be added to water or other beverages. Another is Malic acid magnesium, which is a supplement that combines this acid with magnesium.
Some studies show that this Malic acid magnesium combination can help people with fibromyalgia.
Yes, it does not come from animal sources.
Supplement Dosage and Preparation
If you are wondering where to buy Malic acid supplements, you can find them in health food stores and online.
There is currently no standard dosage of Malic acid for any health problem. Consult your healthcare provider before taking this as a supplement.
One dose that has been studied is for dry mouth. An oral spray containing 1% Malic acid (along with 10% xylitol and 0.05% fluoride) can be used daily for two weeks as needed.
Yes, it is important to mix powdered supplements with a liquid such as water, as pure Malic acid in dry powder form can irritate or damage the skin if contacted Eye. Inhaling the powder can also negatively affect breathing.
Malic acid tastes sour or sour. The highest natural source is apples, but it is also found in many fruits and vegetables as well as wine and cider.
This acid is added to foods as a flavoring and preservative, and to cosmetics as a preservative and pH buffer.
What does Malic acid do? In the human body, it is produced during the Krebs cycle, an energy-generating process that is critical to humans and all living organisms.
Malic acid benefits may include healthy energy levels, better iron absorption, improved skin, and better oral health. You can look for skin care products that contain this alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
Some people take Malic acid magnesium as an alternative treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, but research is ongoing to see if this helps.
It's best to get this acid from a healthy diet, which isn't difficult since many healthy fruits and vegetables contain it.
Consult your healthcare provider before supplementing.