Malic acid is a natural substance found in fruit and vegetables - one of the richest sources 
being apples. 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 possesses many health-related 
benefits such as boosting immunity, maintaining oral health, reducing the risk of poisoning 
from a build-up of toxic metals and promoting smoother and firmer skin.


Malic Acid: The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia connection

One of its most significant benefits lies in its ability to stimulate metabolism and increase 
energy production. This action is linked to the important role it plays in a process known as 
the Krebs cycle - named after Sir Hans Krebs, a German-born British biochemist.

Krebs won the Nobel price for physiology in 1953 for describing how a complex series of 
biochemical reactions takes place within the body's cells to transform proteins, fat and 
carbohydrates into water and energy. This process requires a constant supply of vitamins, 
enzymes and chemical agents such as malic acid, in order to keep it functioning properly 24 
hours a day.

The Krebs cycle is vital to our very existence and without it energy production would literally 
grind to a halt. Therefore it is essential that you have adequate supplies of malic acid in 
order to promote the efficient functioning of this cycle.

Malic acid plays a vital role in improving overall muscle performance, reversing muscle fatigue 
following exercise, reducing tiredness and poor energy levels, as well as improving mental 
clarity. These actions can make it a beneficial treatment for sufferers of fibromyalgia and CFS 
(both these conditions involve muscle pain, joint tenderness and low energy levels).

According to Dr Jay Goldstein, Director of the CFS Institute in the US: 'Malic acid is safe, 
inexpensive and it should be considered a valid therapeutic approach for patients with CFS'.

A six-month study was conducted by scientists working at the Department of Medicine, University 
of Texas Health Science Centre in the US, to examine the efficacy of 1,200mg of malic acid plus 
300mg of magnesium a day on 24 fibromyalgia sufferers. Half of the patients were given the 
active treatment, while the other half only received placebo.

At the end of the study, all of the patients treated with malic acid and magnesium experienced 
significant improvements in their symptoms - including less pain, reduced muscle stiffness and 
a more positive mental outlook - without any side effects.

Dr Russell, who led the team of scientists, concluded: 'The data suggest that malic acid and 
magnesium are safe and may be beneficial in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia. Future 
studies should use malic acid at this dose and continue the therapy for at least two months'.


Malic Acid: A diverse range of benefits

In addition to increasing energy levels, malic acid is also an effective metal chelator. This 
means it is able to bind to potentially toxic metals that may have accumulated in the body, such 
as aluminium or lead, and inactivate them. As a result, the risk of toxicity is considerably 
reduced. Heavy metal overload has been linked to serious problems like liver disease and brain 
disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

Malic acid also helps maintain oral hygiene. It stimulates the production of saliva, which 
reduces the number of harmful bacteria circulating in your mouth, teeth and gums. It acts as 
an antiseptic too, which also helps to ensure that germs in the mouth are kept to a minimum and 
considerably reduces the risk of infection. This explains why malic acid is commonly used as an 
ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpastes.

To add to the list of benefits, malic acid also helps to maintain good, healthy skin. It is 
classified as an 'alpha hydroxy acid' - a chemical 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 helps your skin to look healthier, younger and firmer. For a natural 
face peel you can apply thin slices of apple (which is a rich natural source) directly onto 
your skin for 20 minutes and then wash off with rose water.


Malic Acid: What to take for best results

The recommended dosage for malic acid is 600mg capsules taken one to three times a day before 
food. There are no known contraindications or toxicity linked to malic acid.

Taking magnesium alongside malic acid seems to have a much more pronounced effect on muscle 
fatigue. The recommended dosage for magnesium citrate is 140mg capsules taken twice a day.


Malic Acid: Related articles

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Natural Measures Can Help Combat This Debilitating Condition

Myalgic Encephalopathy

Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And Myalgic Encephalomyelitis


Sources:

1. Russell IJ, Michalek JE, Flechas JD. J Rheumatol 1995, 22(5):953-958

2. Fernandes-Naglik L, Downes J, Shirlaw R. Oral Dis 2001, 7(5):276-280

3. Abraham G, Flechas J. J Nutr Med 1992, 3:49-59


Malic Acid, Krebs Cycle Catalyst

Recently, Malic Acid has been used as a Krebs cycle catalyst to stimulate the complete burning 
of fuel for energy. In some individuals, there is a deficiency in the activity of the Krebs 
cycle. It is speculated that enzymes which are bound by various xenobiotics or endotoxins may 
influence Krebs cycle chemistry. The key is the inability of pyruvic acid to enter into the 
cycle for energy production. By shutting down the second half of the Krebs cycle, a buildup of 
lactic acid occurs. With acidification of the tissues comes a localized decrease in oxygenation 
of the tissues and subsequent symptoms. Malic acid has been reported to be beneficial in 
supporting stress, tender points, pain, persistent fatigue, muscular pain, arthritic-like 
symptoms without presentation, and recovery from exercise. (1,2,3)

Glucose has the primary function of providing fuel in the body. It does this in two ways. First 
of all, it does this through glycolysis. This is the breakdown of glucose to pyruvic acid and, 
at times, lactic acid. The second is the conversion of pyruvic acid to energy in the presence of 
oxygen, carbon dioxide and water. This second stage is the Krebs cycle, and it is also the site 
of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Under stress, the amount of ATP produced may not be 
able to keep pace with bodily demands. There are three rate-limiting steps:

1. glucose;

2. delivery of oxygen to the muscle; and

3. the rate of enzyme function ability to process these substances.

Because energy can be produced quickly by the glycolytic pathway, it is usually the first chosen.
The accumulation of lactic acid in tissues and the depletion of glycogen stores then occurs. 
Apparently, Malic Acid acts as a catalyst to the Krebs cycle to produce energy from the burning 
of pyruvic acid, without the associated buildup of lactic acid.

In studies, Malic Acid, when given with magnesium, resulted in a reduction in tender joints of 
41 percent after four weeks and 76.5 percent after eight weeks.(4) In some cases, as little as 
48 hours was needed for noticeable improvement.

1. S.M. St. Claire, et al., "Diagnosis and Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome," J Neuromusc 
Sys 2(3) (1994): 101-11.

2. V.V. Dunaev, et al., "Effect of Malic Acid Salts on Physical Work Capacity and its Recovery 
after Exhausting Muscular Activity," Famakol Toksikol 51(3) (1988): 1-25.

3. V. Bobyleva-Guarriero, et al., "The Role of Malate in Exercise-induced Enhancement of 
Mitochondrial Espiration," Arch Biochem Biophys 245(2) (19086): 470-76.

4. I.J. Russell, et al., "Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome with Super Malic: A Randomized, 
Double Blind, Placebo Controller, Crossover Pilot Study," J Rheumatology 22(5) (1995): 953-58.