{"id":27574,"date":"2019-11-01T14:47:50","date_gmt":"2019-11-01T21:47:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/selfhacked.com\/?p=27574"},"modified":"2021-09-20T09:18:24","modified_gmt":"2021-09-20T16:18:24","slug":"malic-acid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/selfhacked.com\/blog\/malic-acid\/","title":{"rendered":"Malic Acid Benefits & Uses + Side Effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 1785, scientists discovered that malic acid is what gives apples their sour flavor. Today we know that malic acid is found in many foods and is naturally produced in the human body. Although it is mostly used as a flavor enhancer, malic acid has several purported health benefits as well. Read on to learn if science backs these claims.<\/p>\n

What is Malic Acid?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Malic acid is an organic compound found in many fruits. It was first identified in apple juice and was named after the Latin word for apple, m\u0101lum [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

Malic acid belongs to a family of compounds called alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). This group of acids is commonly used in cosmetic products that are purported to help with skin conditions, such as dry skin, wrinkles, and acne.<\/p>\n

The human body also naturally produces malic acid, which can bind to other compounds to form malate<\/a>. The body uses malate in chemical reactions to create the energy that powers our cells [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

One of the major uses of malic acid is as a food additive to add a sour taste to foods and drinks. Malic acid is also popular as a supplement and is purported to have several benefits, like helping with fibromyalgia and fatigue [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

According to research, malic acid as a mouth spray may help dry mouth as well.<\/p>\n

Food Sources<\/span><\/h3>\n

Although malic acid was first discovered in apples, a wide range of fruits contain this compound. This include grapes, mangos, pears, oranges, and many more. Products derived from fruits, like apple juice and wine, will also contain malic acid [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

Some vegetables like rhubarb<\/a>, celery, and carrots contain this acid as well [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

The amount of malic acid in fruits and vegetables can vary. Researchers have found that wild apples contain higher levels compared to farmed apples. Levels can also depend on temperature, how the fruit is stored, and the age of the fruit [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

Manufacturers often add malic acid to foods and beverages as a flavor enhancer. Others use it to add a tart flavor to many food products, including candy, soda, and gum. Food grade malic acid powder is available for cooking and baking.<\/p>\n

Snapshot<\/span><\/h3>\n

Proponents<\/h4>\n
    \n
  • Naturally found in food<\/li>\n
  • May help with dry mouth<\/li>\n
  • May help with skin conditions<\/li>\n
  • May improve fatigue and pain associated with fibromyalgia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Skeptics<\/h4>\n
      \n
    • Lack of strong clinical research<\/li>\n
    • May have drug interactions<\/li>\n
    • May have side effects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Purported Health Benefits of Malic Acid<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Likely Effective For:<\/span><\/h3>\n