Malic acid is a dicarboxylic acid found naturally in foods, especially unripe fruits. It was first isolated from fruit juice, and one of the best sources of this naturally occurring acid is green apples. It is malic acid that gives green apples their tart taste. Malic acid is also found in several other fruits and vegetables and wine. As fruits ripen, the malic acid they contain is converted to lactic acid, which makes the fruit less tart.
Malic acid is also found inside cells where it is an important intermediate to produce cellular energy. It also appears to have a blood pressure-lowering effect and the ability to bind to heavy metals and remove them from the body. This can be helpful in preventing dementia and other degenerative diseases.
Malic acid and gout
Malic acid also helps to reduce uric acid in the body so can therefore be useful in treating certain types of bladder and kidney stones and gout.
Teeth and gum disorders and malic acid
Malic acid is also important for oral hygiene. It stimulates the production of saliva, helping to reduce the risk of dental caries and gum disease and is used in the body’s detoxification process.
Malic acid, magnesium and fibromyalgia
A combination of malic acid and magnesium is available as a treatment for the symptoms of fibromyalgia, a condition characterised by muscle pain and generalised fatigue. Because of its involvement in cellular energy production, it helps to boost the energy level of people with this condition.
Malic acid and the skin
Malic acid is classified as an alpha hydroxy acid and promotes shedding of the outer layer of cells of the epidermis by loosening the “glue” that holds them together. This helps to thin the epidermis, which improves skin texture. It can also penetrate more deeply into the skin and boost collagen production in the dermis, the deeper layer of skin that lies beneath the epidermis.
Collagen is a protein that supports skin and prevents wrinkling and skin laxity. Therefore, alpha hydroxy acids, like malic acid, have anti-aging benefits. They also help to lighten skin pigmentation and improve the symptoms of acne. Other alpha hydroxy acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid and mandaleic acid.
Natural sources of malic acid in alphabetic order
Related subjects
- A-Z of nutrients
- Dementia
- Gout
- Heavy metals
- High blood pressure
- Skin disorders
- Teeth and gum disorders
- Urinary system disorders
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