The Sources of Malic Acid Are All Around You

Fruits in general have malic acid, but it's especially abundant in apples. Ninety-four to 98 percent of apple's total acid comes from malic acid, according to Bartek.ca. 

 Watermelon is another great source of malic acid, with 85 to 95 percent of the total acid content. Apricots, bananas, blackberries, cherries, grapes, kiwi, lychees, mango, nectarines, oranges, peaches, pears and strawberries are other fine choices.

Vegetables. Like fruits, malic acid is also a natural compound in many vegetables, including broccoli, beans, carrots, peas, potatoes, tomatoes and rhubarb, according to Livestrong.com. 

Malic acid is used as a flavor enhancer in a variety of foods, including some hard and soft candies, sherbets and water ices, chewing gum, fruit preserves and bakery items with fruit fillings. Soy yogurt is another product that adds malic acid to mimic the sour taste of traditional cow's milk yogurt.

Beverages.

Malic acid adds flavor and or acts as a preservative to an assortment of carbonated or non-carbonated beverages, including regular and sugar-free. It's also found in powdered iced tea and fruit-flavored drinks, plus alcoholic ciders and wine.

Medical and personal hygiene products.

Malic acid in throat lozenges and cough syrups can lessen the tartness of the other active components, according to Bartek.ca. Since it also encourages saliva flow, it is used in toothpastes and mouthwashes. 

Potential Benefits of Malic Acid

Kidney Stones: In a 2014 study published in the Journal of Endourology, the effects of malic acid were examined in the context of urinary function. Researchers determined that since malic acid is a polycarboxylic anion with similar functions to citrate, it may produce results similar to alkali citrate therapy.

Examiners administered 1,200 milligrams of malic acid daily for one week to eight healthy test subjects, with their urine samples collected afterward. The results were analyzed for routine lithogenic components, including pH and citrate.

They observed that malic acid supplementation was able to increase pH and citraturia (presence of citric acid in the urine), while lowering the concentration of calcium and concomitant SS calcium oxalate, but these effects were not statistically significant. In conclusion, malic acid supplementation may possibly help reduce kidney stones, , but for conservative treatments only

Journal of Endourology, 2014 Feb;28(2):229-236

Athletic Performance: In a study published in Acta Physiologica Hungarica, evidence suggests that malic acid supplementation may improve the physical performance of athletes. Researchers provided test subjects with malic acid supplements and noted increases in relative and absolute peak power and total work among sprinters compared to other groups. In addition, the distance sprinters ran increased.

 Acta Physiologica Hungarica, 2015 Mar;102(1):114-22

Fibromyalgia: In a pilot study published in the Journal of Rheumatology back in 1995, scientists set out to discover the effects of malic acid (combined with magnesium) on patients with primary fibromyalgia syndrome.

Using a tablet containing 200 milligrams of malic acid and 50 milligrams of magnesium, researchers administered the concoction to 24 sequential patients affected with primary fibromyalgia syndrome. When the dosage was escalated for a total of six months, the test subjects noted reductions in the severity of the three primary pain measures.

The Journal of Rheumatology, 1995 May;22(5):953-8

Despite its sinister sounding name, the word malic acid comes from the Latin word malum, which means apple. Malic acid was first isolated from apple juice in 1785, and it’s what gives some foods and drinks a tart taste. If you’re a fan of slightly acidic wine, malic acid probably played a huge role. It’s also a common ingredient in many hair and skin care products that include:

·       shampoos

·       body lotions

·       nail treatments

·       acne and anti-aging products

Malic acid is part of a family of fruit acids, called alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Alpha hydroxy acids stimulate exfoliation by interfering with how your skin cells bond. As a result, dull skin is removed to make way for newer skin. Skin care products that contain malic acid can provide benefits that include:

·       skin hydration

·       exfoliation, or the removal of dead skin cells

·       improved skin smoothness and tone

·       reduction in wrinkles

Your body also produces malic acid naturally when converting carbohydrates into energy. Movement would be very difficult without malic acid. It’ll probably be no surprise that malic acid also has other health benefits too.

Cleanses and rejuvenates the skin

Malic acid in skin care products is celebrated for its ability to brighten the skin and smooth its texture. That’s why it’s a common ingredient in anti-aging creams.

According to a brain-skin connection study, higher stress can worsen skin conditions like eczema, acne, and premature aging. And while wine can help reduce stress, external use of malic acid might be a healthier application.

Skin pH balance and hydration

Malic acid is also a humectant. It helps with moisture retention to help your skin stay hydrated.

A 2014 study about the hydration effects of aloe vera used malic acid, glucose, and a chemical compound in aloe vera (acemannan), as markers for fresh gel. Another small study also saw improvements in scales from old wounds after applying an ointment made of malic acid and petroleum jelly, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Malic acid is often used as an ingredient in cosmetics to balance pH levels. According to Bartek, a manufacturer that makes cosmetic and food grade chemicals, malic acid is more balanced than other fruit acids. It has a better buffer capacity than other AHAs like citric and lactic acid.

Having a better buffer capacity means that you can use more malic acid without upsetting your skin’s acid-base balance, or pH levels. If your skin’s pH level is unbalanced, then your skin’s protective barrier may be destabilized and more prone to dryness or acne.

Disclaimer: The information on this POST is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional advice. The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this article is for general information purposes / educational purposes only, and to ensue discussion or debate.

Thank you …Deciding what foods to buy was simpler when most food came from farms. Now, factory-made foods have made chemical additives a significant part of our diet.

In general, it's best to avoid the following ingredients.

·       Artificial sweeteners: Aspartame, Acesulfame K, Saccharin, Sucralose

·       Food dyes

·       Mycoprotein (Quorn-brand meat substitutes)

·       Partially hydrogenated oils (trans fat)

*And don't forget to cut back on sugar and salt, which cause more harm than all the other additives combined.

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Perhaps for some people who insist on a "miracle cure" or "magic pill" while they continue to eat Mcdonalds, chocolate, processed, additive laden, meat and dairy laden heavy saturated fats type SAD food,,,, they won't find one superfood will counteract their bad lifetime habits. So sorry your lifestyle is affording you a lack of energy and cramping. This indicates your diet requires an overhaul, not a teaspoon of ACV…or Malic acid.

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WHEN YOU THINK OF HEALTH THINK OF FOOD THAT GROWS, THAT IS ALIVE, THATS WHAT YOUR BODY LIKES...plus all kinds of VITAMINS and Herbs.