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Malic acid (hydroxyantaric acid, hydroxybutanedioic acid, malonic acid, malate, malic acid, E296)
Malic acid is an organic or synthetic substance that has the properties of a preservative. In the international classification, it is registered as a food additive with the index E296.
General Characteristics of Malic Acid E296
Malic acid has the appearance of colorless transparent crystals, odorless, with a sour taste (calorizator). The substance is well soluble in water, ethyl alcohol, has a melting point of 100 °C. Natural malic acid is found in acidic plants and fruits, it was first obtained by the Swedish chemist Karl Scheele in 1785 as a result of experiments with unripe apples.
Chemical formula C4H6O5.
Benefits and harms of E296
Malic acid is one of the important intermediates of the metabolic processes of living organisms. Malic acid takes part in the metabolism, increases the overall tone of the body, helps to reduce blood pressure. Despite the fact that E296 is considered harmless to health, you should not get carried away with products containing malic acid, this can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system. Acid in its pure form is dangerous – it can cause burns of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and larynx, skin. The daily intake of E296 is not officially established.
Application of Malic acid
It is obtained from fruits or synthetically. E296 is used in the food industry as an acidity regulator and preservative that prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria, thereby extending the shelf life of food. Most often, E296 is added to pastries, confectionery, juices and carbonated drinks, wine materials. Malic acid is also used in cosmetology and medicine, as a flavor enhancer of some medicines.
There are two stereoisomers: D and L. In nature, L-malic acid is common. It is found in sour fruits, such as unripe apples, gooseberries, grapes, mountain ash, rhubarb, barberry, raspberries, etc. Shag and tobacco plants contain it in the form of nicotine salts. Mature apples contain about 0.35% malic acid, unripe-more.
Synthetic malic acid is obtained by hydrating maleic acid and fumaric acid.
Use of E296
On the territory of our country, it is allowed to use Malic acid as a food additive-a preservative and flavor enhancer.