Malic Acid

Various fruits and vegetables contain the sour-tasting organic compound known as malic acid. Additionally, it can be found in wines, where it adds to their tart flavor. Malic acid can be added to food as a flavoring agent or as a preservative.Malic acid has a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) in its chemical composition. They are responsible for malic acid's acidic characteristics. Due to the presence of two carboxylic acid groups, malic acid is categorized as a dicarboxylic acid.
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment

What is Malic Acid?

The body naturally produces malic acid, which is involved in a number of metabolic processes.Malic acid, for instance, is necessary for the body to produce energy.Additionally, it contributes to the creation of a number of significant compounds, including fatty acids and cholesterol.Several fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, grapes, cherries, and tomatoes, contain malic acid.Additionally, it can be found in wines, where it adds to their tart flavor.Malic acid can be added to food as a flavoring agent or as a preservative.

Side Effects

Malic acid is generally well-tolerated and safe.However, some individuals may experience negative effects like nausea, diarrhea, or headaches.Stop taking malic acid and consult your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.

Health Benefits

There are numerous potential health advantages of malic acid. For instance, it might aid in reducing pain, boosting energy levels, and preventing certain types of cancer.

To prevent cancer
Malic acid might aid in cancer prevention. Malic acid has been demonstrated in test-tube studies to kill cancer cells and stop them from proliferating (1).

Malic acid can also slow the growth of tumors, according to animal studies (2). However, to validate these results, human studies are required.

Relieving pain

Malic acid may also aid in pain relief. One study found that taking malic acid supplements significantly reduced pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms in participants (3).

Malic acid may lessen the nerve pain brought on by diabetes, according to another study (4).

Energy Generation

The body's energy production process includes malic acid. In fact, it is necessary for the creation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's primary energy source (5).


According to one study, taking malic acid supplements increased energy levels and decreased fatigue in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (6). However, additional study is required to validate these results.

Mechanism of Action

Malic acid's precise mode of operation is not fully understood.But it's believed to function by boosting the body's ATP production (5).A crucial component of the synthesis of energy is the molecule ATP.Cells are unable to produce energy effectively when ATP levels are low.This may result in symptoms like fatigue and others.Malic acid might also be effective by calming inflammation.A typical immune response, inflammation aids in the body's defense against illness and infection.Chronic inflammation, however, has been linked to a number of illnesses, including cancer and heart disease (7).

Dosage and Preparation

Malic acid can be found in creams, powders, and dietary supplements. A variety of fruits and vegetables also contain it.

There is no established malic acid dosage. However, the majority of studies (3, 4) employ daily doses of 500 to 2,000 mg.

Start with a low dose when taking malic acid supplements and gradually increase as necessary. This will lessen the possibility of adverse effects.

It's also crucial to consult your doctor before taking supplements of malic acid. If you are taking medication or have a medical condition, this is especially crucial.

Pharmacokinetics

The body quickly absorbs malic acid from the gut and distributes it throughout (8).

It is assumed that it undergoes liver metabolism and is eliminated through the urine (9).


Half-Life

The period of time it takes for a compound's concentration to reduce by half is known as its half-life. Malic acid is thought to have a half-life of approximately one hour (9).

Alternatives

Alternative therapies are available for many of the ailments that malic acid is used to treat.For instance, curcumin and omega-3 fatty acids are two additional supplements that might aid in pain reduction.In addition, pain can be reduced by making lifestyle changes like exercising and reducing stress.Ask your doctor about other treatment options if you're looking for a malic acid substitute.