Roll Call

“Malic Acid?”Here!

Varies by source

Hasn’t appeared in a scanned product yet.

As a supplement

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Roll Call does not check drug interactions or assess personal safety.

An organic acid naturally found in apples and many other fruits, and produced synthetically for use as a food and supplement ingredient. It has a tart, sour taste.

Why it’s used

Used in supplements mainly as a flavoring or pH-adjusting agent, and included in some products aimed at exercise performance or muscle comfort, often paired with magnesium as magnesium malate, on the theory that it plays a role in cellular energy production.

What the evidence says

As a food additive, malic acid has a long history of use and is generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies for its use in food. As a standalone supplement taken for energy or muscle-related effects, direct clinical evidence is sparse; most human research involves malic acid combined with other compounds (such as magnesium or in the context of fibromyalgia studies from decades ago), which does not isolate malic acid's own contribution.

Context

Older, small studies pairing malic acid with magnesium for fatigue-related complaints exist but are limited in size and design, and do not establish an effect for malic acid alone.

Rumors

  1. Malic acid supplements cause gastrointestinal problems, bloating and cramps.

    Not gradedhealth and safety evidence

    Sources cited — no verdict reached.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

  2. Malic acid removes aluminum from the body's tissues.

    Not gradedhealth and safety evidence

    Sources cited — no verdict reached.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Dannette Mason — an individual: yoga therapist and life coach
      How we know who this is
      • “Dannette Mason is the Founder of FibroHaven and the School of Gentle Yoga .” (their page)
      • “Her passion and persistence led to her life’s purpose as a Yoga Therapist and Life Coach , specializing in helping students and clients heal with the ancient wisdom of Yoga Philosophy.” (their page)

  3. Malic acid supplements reduce the risk of kidney stones.

    Supports — suggestivehealth and safety evidence

    Measured as a biomarker.

    Who’s saying this

    • LMNT — a brand: sells electrolyte drink mix
      How we know who this is
      • “Our personal experiences and the latest scientific literature that underpin the origin story of the LMNT brand.” (their page)
      • “A tasty electrolyte drink mix that is formulated to help anyone with their electrolyte needs and is perfectly suited to folks fasting or following low-carb, whole food diets.” (their page)

  4. Malic acid supplements fight fatigue and boost endurance by increasing cellular energy (ATP) production.

    Does not support — establishedhealth and safety evidence

    Studied in: adults with primary fibromyalgia.

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

  5. Malic acid, especially with magnesium, relieves fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue pain.

    Does not support — establishedhealth and safety evidence

    Studied in: adults with primary fibromyalgia.

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this