PureBulk

Click to Enlarge Click to Enlarge Certificate of Analysis Click to Enlarge Volumetric Equivalents

What is Malic Acid?

Malic acid is a natural substance found in several different organic sources such as fruits and vegetables. Its content in apples is especially high, which is why it’s often being called "apple acid." Also called malate, malic acid is an intermediate product of the Krebs cycle and it is used in the flavoring and in the aging of wine. It is also naturally present in your body's cells and large amounts of it are formed and then eventually broken down again on a daily basis. It boasts of many health-related benefits such as strengthening immunity, maintaining oral health, reducing the risk of poisoning from a build-up of toxic metals and promoting smoother and firmer skin. Malic acid, as an ingredient, is added to several different products, including cosmetic formulations such as facial creams and peels, to help keep a balanced skin tone and to adjust the pH of the product. In cosmetics for example, Sodium malate is used as a skin moisturizing agent. Besides using malic acid for health benefits, malic acid is also sometimes added to processed foods to adjust the pH balance.

Malic acid has a wide spectrum of different applications. Malic acid can be used topically or included in a dietary supplement in pill form. Potential health benefits of malic acid include restoring skin tone and alleviating muscle pain and arthritis discomfort. Dentists also use malic acid most of the time to prep a tooth for a filling. Aside from being used in topical creams and lotions, malic acid is available as a supplement either as a standalone or as part of a complex. If a constituent of a complex, you'll likely find ribose and magnesium as active ingredients as well. Most manufacturers manufacture malic acid in 600 mg tablets and suggest an intake of either once or twice a day.

Malic acid is synthesized in humans as one of the steps in the Kreb's (citric acid) cycle during the production of ATP, which is the body's primary source of energy. Malic acid also occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables, Because of its role in cellular energy production, malic acid may be helpful to individuals suffering from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. Many athletes consume malic acid combined with creatine in the form of Dicreatine Malate to increase the delivery of oxygen to muscle cells, thereby improving stamina and endurance. Malic acid is also used to acidify wines, acid drinks, fruit juice, soda water and various soft drinks.

Malic acid, when added to food products, is denoted by E number E296. Malic acid is the source of extreme tartness in so-called "extreme candy", for example Mega Warheads or Sour Punch candies. It is also used with or in place of the less sour citric acid in sour sweets such as Jolly Ranchers, Sweet Tarts and Salt & Vinegar flavor potato chips.

What is Malic Acid used for and who uses it?

One of Malic Acid’s most significant benefits lies in its ability to stimulate metabolism and increase energy production. This stems from the integral role it plays in a process known as the Krebs cycle - the complex series of biochemical reactions taking place within the body's cells to transform proteins, fat and carbohydrates into water and energy. This process needs a constant supply of vitamins, enzymes and chemical agents such as malic acid, in order to maintain it to function properly 24 hours a day. The Krebs cycle is paramount importance to our very existence because without it, energy production would be virtually impossible. Therefore it is critical that there are sufficient supplies or stores of malic acid in order to promote the efficient functioning of this cycle or to make this cycle possible to begin with.

Malic acid plays a huge part in improving overall muscle performance, reversing muscle fatigue following exercise, reducing tiredness and poor energy levels, as well as improving mental clarity. These actions make it a candidate as primary treatment for patients suffering from fibromyalgia and CFS (both these conditions involve muscle pain, joint tenderness and low energy levels), though research in this area is limited. Aside from increasing energy levels, malic acid is also an effective metal chelator. This means it is able to bind to toxic metals that are potentially hazardous if accumulated in the body in large amounts, such as aluminium or lead, and neutralizes them or takes them out of the system. As a result, the risk of toxicity from heavy metals is considerably reduced. An overload of heavy metals in the body has been linked to serious problems like liver disease and brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

Malic acid also aids in the maintenance of proper oral hygiene. It stimulates the mouth to produce saliva, which in turn reduces the number of harmful bacteria circulating in your mouth, teeth and gums. It acts as an antiseptic too, and it works as such by ensuring that germs in the mouth are kept to a minimum and considerably reduces the risk of infection. This is the main reason why malic acid is commonly used by dentists and also by manufacturers as an ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpastes. On top of that already long list of benefits, malic acid also helps to maintain good, healthy skin. It is classified as an 'alpha hydroxy acid' – the term used to describe fruit acids that are used in many cosmetics because of their ability to help exfoliate the skin and act as mild chemical face peels. This makes your skin look healthier, younger and firmer.

How pure is your Malic Acid?

This food grade nutritional supplement and food ingredient, L-Malic Acid (also commonly referred to as sour salt) is assayed by the manufacturer to be 99.3% pure product (normal range 99.0 to 100.5%). You will receive a double sealed and labeled bulk polyethylene bag containing this white crystalline powder product. It contains no fillers, taste additives, or anti-caking agents. The remaining 0.7% by weight are inactive byproducts of the extraction. Because of Malic Acid's energy enhancing effects under otherwise energy deficient conditions during strenuous exercise, Malic Acid may likely be of benefit to healthy individuals engaged in performance sports and physically demanding activities. Performance athletes and body builders interested in maximizing their energy production and performance may want to consider the benefits of Malic Acid supplementation.

What is the daily suggested dose of Malic Acid?

For adults take one (1) level 1/4 teaspoon (approximately 963 milligrams) two or three times per day, preferably with meals, or as directed by your physician or health practice professional. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Malic Acid here. Taking magnesium citrate alongside malic acid seems to have a much more pronounced benefit on muscle fatigue.

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

Precautions and Potential side effects of Malic Acid

This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. However, just to be on the safe side, be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking, since there may be a potential for interactions or side effects. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

It is recommended that pregnant and lactating women do not take it in its supplement form because studies have not yet been done to know its long term effect on the baby. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Taste, solubility, and preparation of Malic Acid

This product dissolves quickly in water and has an extremely sour but pleasant taste when mixed with water or juice and then sweetened with ample sugar or some other sweetener. Just mix your usual dose with water, or juice, and drink. Malic Acid is extremely sour tasting so you may want to include an extra portion of sugar or some other sweetener to counteract the sourness of the Malic Acid. When sufficiently sweetened, 1/4 teaspoon of Malic Acid dissolved in 16 ounces (475 milliliters) of water tastes similar to strong lemonade, and not bad tasting!

Malic Acid is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Fibroactive, Malic Relief Formula (Country Life), Fibronol (NutriCology), Ethical Nutrients Malic Magnesium, Coral, Inc. Coral Complex, Natural Sport ATP Energy supplement, Chelated Manganese (Superior Source), Enzymatic Therapy Sea Buddies, Umcka Cold Care Chewable Tablets from Nature's Way, Nature's Life Garcinia 1000 Hydroxycitric Acid, Magnesium Optimizer, Natural Balance Fat Magnet, Emergen-C Tropical from Alacer Corp., Liquid Multi from NOW Foods, Flor-Essence Revitalizing Cream, Nature's Way Cranberry Concentrate

References & Further Research

Final report on the safety assessment of Malic Acid and Sodium Malate
Malic Acid was relatively nontoxic in acute toxicity studies using animals. In a chronic oral study, feeding Malic Acid to rats resulted only in weight gain changes and changes in feed consumption. Malic Acid did not cause reproductive toxicity in mice, rats, or rabbits.

Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with Super Malic: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover pilot study
Data from this research suggest that Super Malic, a proprietary tablet containing malic acid (200 mg) and magnesium (50 mg), is safe and may be beneficial in the treatment of patients with primary fibromyalgia syndrome (FM).

Malic Acid for International Customers

We have the most economical shipping costs & labeling practices for International orders. You can see our shipping costs here. Also, please note, that anything in a 1.5kg package can be shipped within a single flat rate envelope, however our shopping cart mistakenly displays 2 envelopes. Go ahead and ship the order, and you will notice that it only charges you the cost of 1 anyway. Look at the shipping costs tab above to see for yourself how you can calculate these charges.

Buying Malic Acid Bulk or Wholesale

If you need Malic Acid in bulk or wholesale quantities, please feel free to contact us with sourcing/shipping/fulfilment questions. If you have any questions about shipping or would like to arrange a shipment to an excluded country please use the contact page!