Malic Acid
Malic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid found in certain fruits and wines. It is used in foods, cosmetics, and sometimes as medicine. Malic acid is sour and acidic, which helps to clear away dead skin cells when applied to the skin. It is also involved in the Krebs cycle, a process the body uses to make energy.
Benefits of Malic Acid
- Exfoliation: Malic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that can be used to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, improve skin texture, and clear away dead skin cells when applied to the skin.
- Dry Mouth: Malic acid can help make more saliva in people with dry mouth.
- Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Evidence has shown that malic acid can help mitigate pain associated with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Recommended Dosage
The dosage usually ranges from 1,200 to 2,800 milligrams per day. Malic acid is usually used with magnesium, and in that case, the recommended dosage is 300-600 mg of magnesium and 1,200-2,400 mg of malic acid per day.
Potential Side Effects
Malic acid is generally considered safe when used in food amounts. However, there is not enough scientific information to determine its safety when taken as a medicine. Some potential side effects of malic acid include skin and eye irritation. One dose that has been studied is for dry mouth. A mouth spray containing 1 percent malic acid (as well as 10 percent xylitol and 0.05 percent fluoride) was used three times daily for eight weeks without any adverse effects.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1495/malic-acid
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-malic-acid-89478
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-malic-acid/
- https://www.rxlist.com/malic_acid/supplements.htm
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/malic-acid-benefits/
- https://netmeds.com/health-library/post/malic-acid-uses-health-benefits-and-side-effects
