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Malic acid is a chemical found in certain fruits and wines. It is sometimes used as medicine.
Malic acid is used most commonly for dry mouth. It is also used for fibromyalgia, fatigue, and skin conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
In foods, malic acid is used as a flavoring agent to give food a tart taste.
In manufacturing, malic acid is used to adjust the acidity of cosmetics.
Malic acid is involved in the Krebs cycle. This is a process the body uses to make energy. Malic acid is sour and acidic. This helps to clear away dead skin cells when applied to the skin. Its sourness also helps to make more saliva to help with dry mouth.
When taken by mouth: Malic acid is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in food amounts. Malic acid is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine.
When applied to the inside of the mouth: Malic acid is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the inside of the mouth as a spray or lozenge.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if malic acid is safe. It might cause side effects such as skin and eye irritation.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Malic acid is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in food amounts. There isn't enough reliable information to know if malic acid is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid in amounts greater than what is normally found in food.Low blood pressure: Malic acid might lower blood pressure. In theory, malic acid might increase the risk of blood pressure becoming too low in people prone to low blood pressure.
There are no known interactions with medications. Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Malic acid might lower blood pressure. Using it along with other herbs or supplements that might also lower blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Some of these products include andrographis, casein peptides, cat's claw, coenzyme Q-10, fish oil, L-arginine, lycium, stinging nettle, theanine, and others.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
ADULTS
APPLIED TO THE INSIDE OF THE MOUTH:
- For dry mouth: Mouth sprays (Xeros Dentaid, Dentaid; SalivAktive) containing 1% malic acid have been used up to 8 times daily for 2 weeks. Lozenges (Xeros Dentaid, Dentaid) containing malic acid 28.58 mg, xylitol, and fluoride have been used up to 4 times a day for 6 months.
2-Hydroxybutanedioic Acid, (-)-Acide Malique, (+)-Acide Malique, Acide 2-Hydroxybutanédioïque, Acide malique, Acide (R)-Hydroxybutanédioïque, Acide (S)-Hydroxybutanédioïque, Ácido málico, (-)-Malic Acid, (+)-Malic Acid, D-Malic Acid, L-Malic Acid, Malic Acid, Malate, (R)-Hydroxybutanedioic Acid, (S)-Hydroxybutanedioic Acid.
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