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Malic acid belongs to the class of organic acids and is a colorless crystalline powder with a sour taste. Malic acid is also called oxysuccinic, malanic acid, or simply denoted by the E-296 coding.
Many sour fruits and some vegetables are rich in malic acid. It is also present in dairy products, apples, pears, birch sap, gooseberries, tomatoes, and rhubarb. A large amount of malic acid is produced by fermentation.
At enterprises, malanic acid is added to many soft drinks, some confectionery products, and in the production of wines. It is also used in the chemical industry for the manufacture of medicines, creams and other cosmetics.
Malic acid rich foods:
General characteristics of malic acid
For the first time malic acid was isolated in 1785 by the Swedish chemist and pharmacist Karl Wilhelm Scheele from green apples. Further, scientists found that malanic acid is partially produced in the human body and plays a role in the metabolic processes of the body, its purification and energy supply.
Today, malic acid is usually divided into 2 forms: L and D. In this case, the L-form is considered more useful for the body, since it is more natural. The D-form is formed at high temperature by the reduction of D-tartaric acid.
Malic acid is used by many microorganisms for the fermentation process. Often used in the food industry as a stabilizer, acidity regulator and flavoring agent.
Daily requirement for malic acid
Nutritionists believe that the body’s need for malic acid will be fully satisfied with 3-4 apples a day. Or an equivalent amount of other products containing this acid.
The need for malic acid increases:
- with a slowdown in metabolic processes in the body;
- fatigue;
- with excessive acidification of the body;
- with frequent skin rashes;
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
The need for malic acid is reduced:
- with allergic reactions (itching, herpes);
- with discomfort in the stomach;
- individual intolerance.
The absorption of malic acid
The acid is readily soluble in water and is quickly absorbed by the body.
Useful properties of malic acid and its effect on the body:
Malic acid plays an important role in metabolic processes. Cleans the body, regulates the acid-base balance in the body. In pharmacology, malic acid is used in the manufacture of drugs for hoarseness, it is included in laxatives.
Interaction with other elements
Promotes complete absorption of iron, interacts with vitamins, and is soluble in water. It can be produced in the body from succinic acid.
Signs of malic acid deficiency:
- violation of acid-base balance;
- rashes, skin irritation;
- intoxication, metabolic disorders.
Signs of excess malic acid:
- discomfort in the epigastric region;
- increased sensitivity of tooth enamel.
Factors affecting the content of malic acid in the body
In the body, malic acid can be produced from succinic acid, and also comes from foods containing it. The sufficient amount of malic acid in the body is influenced, in addition to the use of appropriate products, by the daily routine and the absence of bad habits (smoking and excessive alcohol consumption). Physical activity encourages the body to better absorb many nutrients, including malic acid.
Malic acid for beauty and health
Malic acid, or mailic acid, is often found in various creams with moisturizing, cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties. So in the composition of creams, you can often find extracts of lingonberry, cherry, apple, mountain ash, where malic acid is an essential component.
Malanic acid gently cleanses the skin by dissolving dead skin cells, thereby creating a peeling effect. At the same time, wrinkles are smoothed, the deep layers of the skin are renewed. Age spots fade, the skin’s ability to retain moisture increases.
Malic acid is a frequent companion to homemade face masks. For lovers of such procedures, it is no secret that the skin after fruit masks (apple, apricot, raspberry, cherry, etc.) is smoothed and becomes more elastic, fresh and rested.