Recommended Doses of Malic Acid
Malic acid is a type of alphy hydroxy acid found naturally in all fruits and some vegetables. Malic acid preparations can also be purchased for oral and topical use. Individuals often use malic acid orally along with magnesium in order to ease the pain and tenderness associated with fibromyalgia. Another common use for malic acid is as a topical agent to treat various skin conditions. It is important to use careful consideration when it comes to the dose of malic acid used.
Malic acid is a little-known substance that is gaining popularity as a possible cure for fibromyalgia. However, early studies have not been promising. Researchers need to conduct more studies into malic acid and magnesium to see if the combination can help control the pain and tenderness associated with this condition.
Studies have shown that magnesium levels are lower in people with fibromyalgia. In addition, magnesium assists malic acid in crucial chemical reactions in creating cellular energy. Although there are few side effects associated with malic Acid, do not add this or any other supplement to your diet until you check with your doctor.
Dosage and Safety
Since the body can make malic acid, there is no recommended daily intake. Malic acid dosages can range from 1,200 mg to 2,800 mg. For a study into fibromyalgia, 1,200 mg per day was combined with 300 mg of magnesium per day for four weeks, according to New York University Langone Medical Center. The study results, published in the "Journal of Rheumatology" in 1995, showed no difference between the groups that took the malic acid and the placebo in fibromyalgia symptoms. The dosage was increased to 1,600 mg of malic acid and 400 mg of magnesium for a further six months, but the study was not blinded or controlled at this point. The subjects did, however, experience a reduction of symptoms from the malic acid at the higher doses, but this result could be due to a placebo effect since the study was not as rigorous as the initial phase.
Safety Issues
Fibromyalgia Symptom Checklist
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Malic acid is a relatively safe supplement. Use with caution if you are taking a medication to lower your blood pressure because malic acid can also affect your blood pressure, according to Wellness.com. Loose stools are reported at higher doses, but it is usually attributed to the high amounts of magnesium given with the malic acid. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not use malic acid because no tests are available regarding the safety for these populations.
- Malic acid is a relatively safe supplement.
- ** Use with caution if you are taking a medication to lower your blood pressure because malic acid can also affect your blood pressure, according to Wellness.com.
- **
Uses of Malic Acid
Malic acid is a substance that the body can synthesize on its own but is found primarily in apples. It plays an important role in creating adenosine triphosphate from your food, according to Healthwise. ATP is the body's primary source of energy. Preliminary studies point to malic acid as potentially helpful to people who have fibromyalgia. In this disease, the body might have difficulty converting malic acid and that could account for some symptoms. However, malic acid has yet to show any real promise.
- **Malic acid is a substance that the body can synthesize on its own but is found primarily in apples.
- ** It plays an important role in creating adenosine triphosphate from your food, according to Healthwise.
- **
Fibromyalgia Explained
Benefits of Magnesium Malate Supplements
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Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic pain that has no known cause or cure at this time. Some symptoms include irritable bowel syndrome, urinary frequency, numbness, tingling, anxiety and headache, according to New York University Langone Medical Center. There is also pain in 11 of 18 specific points on the body. Some proposed natural treatments for fibromyalgia besides malic acid include SAM-e, 5-HTP and capsaicin. However, studies for these treatments have shown mixed results.
- Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic pain that has no known cause or cure at this time.
- Some proposed natural treatments for fibromyalgia besides malic acid include SAM-e, 5-HTP and capsaicin.
- Malic acid is a relatively safe supplement.
- It plays an important role in creating adenosine triphosphate from your food, according to Healthwise.
- The dosage was increased to 1,600 mg of malic acid and 400 mg of magnesium for a further six months, but the study was not blinded or controlled at this point.
Related Articles
References
- Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with Super Malic: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover pilot study.
- (2013) Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Recommendations of Recent Evidence-Based Interdisciplinary Guidelines with Special Emphasis on Complementary and Alternative Therapies
- Bennett RM, Jones J, Turk DC, Russell IJ, Matallana L. An internet survey of 2,596 people with fibromyalgia. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2007;8, article 27
- NIH PubChem: Malic acid | C4H6O5
- (2001) Final report on the safety assessment of Malic Acid and Sodium Malate.
- FDA: Inactive Ingredient Search for Approved Drug Products
- NYU Langone Health: Fibromyalgia in Adults
- Taylor MB, Yanaki JS, Draper DO, Shurtz JC, Coglianese M. Successful short-term and long-term treatment of melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation using vitamin C with a full-face iontophoresis mask and a mandelic/malic acid skin care regimen. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013 Jan;12(1):45-50.
- Tyka AK, Chwastowski M, Cison T, et al. Effect of creatine malate supplementation on physical performance, body composition and selected hormone levels in spinters and long-distance runners. Acta Physiol Hung. 2015 Mar;102(1):114-22. doi:10.1556/APhysiol.102.2015.1.12
- Rodgers AL, Webber D, de Charmoy R, Jackson GE, Ravenscroft N. Malic acid supplementation increases urinary citrate excretion and urinary pH: implications for the potential treatment of calcium oxalate stone disease. J Endourol. 2014 Feb;28(2):229-36. doi:10.1089/end.2013.0477
- Manfredini R, De giorgi A, Storari A, Fabbian F. Pears and renal stones: possible weapon for prevention? A comprehensive narrative review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2016;20(3):414-25.
- Russell IJ, Michalek JE, Flechas JD, Abraham GE. Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with Super Malic: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover pilot study. J Rheumatol. 1995;22(5):953-8.
- Gómez-Moreno G, Aguilar-Salvatierra A, Guardia J, et al. The efficacy of a topical sialogogue spray containing 1% malic acid in patients with antidepressant-induced dry mouth: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Depress Anxiety. 2013 Feb;30(2):137-42. doi:10.1002/da.22017
- Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules. 2018;23(4). doi:10.3390/molecules23040863
Writer Bio
Lynda Lampert began writing professionally in 2000 with the publishing of her romance novel, "My Lady Elizabeth." Her work has also appeared in the "Pittsburgh Tribune Review." Lampert obtained an associate's degree in nursing from Mercyhurst College Northeast.