Malic acid (E296)

Malic acid is a synthetic substance that exhibits the properties of a preservative. It is also available in its natural form, found in some plants, including fruits and plants. On food products, such a substance is labeled E296. This additive is used in various industries, including food. How does the use of products containing malic acid affect the human body? Does it bring benefits or only harm to health? Let’s consider these questions in a little more detail.

The main characteristics of the food additive E296

Other names for this substance include: hydroxysuccinic acid, hydroxybutanedioic acid, L-malic acid, Malic Acid, E296.

Such a substance owes its appearance to the chemist from Sweden, Karl Wilhelm Scheele, who lives in the eighteenth century. During the experiment, he squeezed the juice from unripe apples and extracted the liquid part from it. Thus, a substance with a bitter-sour taste and significant bactericidal characteristics was obtained, which was called malic acid.

In nature, such an acidity enhancer is found in sour unripe apples, cranberries, grapes, mountain ash, barberries, rhubarb leaves, peaches and other sour fruits.

Natural malic acid is excreted in small amounts during metabolic processes in the body, therefore, any living creature has it.

However, in the modern world, a synthetically produced substance is used that meets the safety standard GOST 32748-2014.

Food supplement E296 consists of two enantiomers: L and D. Only malic acid L has a natural analogue. DL-malic acid is a completely chemically synthesized product.

This substance consists of a dibasic hydroxycarboxylic acid. It is made from water and maleic anhydride.

The synthesized additive E296 is obtained by reducing tartaric, maleic or fumaric acid by exposing it to sulfuric acid or carbonic anhydride at high temperatures.

This substance is a crystalline powder or small granules of white color, with a sour-bitter taste and odorless. The molecular formula is presented as: C4H6O5.

This additive is very soluble in water and ethyl alcohol, has moisture-absorbing properties. This powder begins to melt at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius.

Major additive manufacturers and types of product packaging

The main producers of such a synthetic food additive are Russia, South Korea and the United States of America.

In the Russian Federation, its leading exporter is JSC “Ural Plant of Industrial Chemistry”, in the USA – Tate & Lyle Corporation, in South Korea – Yongsan Chemicals.

Food additive E296 is packed in strong plastic bags, and then packed in:

  • paper bags;
  • grocery bags made of bast fibers;
  • corrugated cardboard boxes;
  • hermetically sealed foil bags.

The use of a synthetic food additive

This substance is widely used in winemaking, where it largely exhibits the properties of an antioxidant and preservative. During fermentation, malic acid releases sulfur dioxide, decomposes to lactic acid, which helps to lower the pH. The result is an even color and improved taste of the drink.

This preservative is also used in the production of the following products:

  • ice cream and dairy products;
  • soft drinks and pineapple juice;
  • jam, jelly and marmalade;
  • caramel sweets;
  • some varieties of vodka;
  • canned vegetables;
  • peeled potatoes, as protection against browning.

Preservative E296 is approved for use in baby food intended for babies aged one to three years.

Malic acid is used in pharmacology, where it is one of the components of antitussive and antiviral drugs, as well as means to improve intestinal motility.

As a bleach for synthetics and natural fabrics, it is used in the textile industry. Widely used to create detergents and rust removers.

The food additive E296 has proven itself well in the cosmetology field. It is added to hair sprays, brightening cosmetic creams, anti-aging products, toothpastes, peels and face masks.

Such a preservative is approved for use throughout the world, the maximum daily dose of the substance is not indicated.

Dangerous and useful properties of food additive E296

Malic acid is a wonderful source of nutrients and vitamins. Among other things, such a preservative exhibits powerful antioxidant properties, which helps to improve the body’s resistance to various pathogenic microorganisms. This synthetic substance is broken down in the body and completely eliminated from it. Due to its beneficial properties, the preservative E296 contributes to:

  • strengthening of the vascular walls;
  • regulation of acid-base balance;
  • normalization of blood pressure;
  • better absorption of iron;
  • improvement of hematopoietic processes;
  • rejuvenation of skin cells.

However, such an additive still belongs to moderately hazardous substances, so its use is undesirable for those people who:

  • have cancer;
  • subject to internal bleeding;
  • have chronic skin diseases;
  • susceptible to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • suffer from increased acidity of the stomach;
  • have peptic ulcer.

In some cases, it may cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract or allergic reactions.

Summing up

Malic acid, as a food additive, is approved for use in the food industry. However, before using products prepared with its use, it is advisable to make sure that there are no contraindications.

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