Malic acid is a colorless organic compound that is found in a variety of unripe fruits, notably apples, cherries and tomatoes. It is a natural food acid with a distinctive tartness. Malic acid in animals, including humans, has a role in energy production at the cellular level. It has applications in both the food industry and pharmacology.
Pain Reduction
Malic acid is an intermediate in the Krebs cycle, which is the biochemical energy-producing process that occurs in our cells' mitochondria. The mitochondria produce enzymes for the metabolic conversion of food to energy. Malic acid has an important function in the production of energy. This particular function has led to the use of malic acid supplements as treatment for fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is associated with widespread musculoskeletal pain. Conventional medical treatment addresses the symptoms through physical therapy and the use of medications. The National Fibromyalgia Association says that patients with fibromyalgia have low magnesium levels. An alternative treatment that has shown promising success includes a daily supplement of malic acid and magnesium.
Wine Fermentation
The acidity in grapes is attributed to malic acid. As the grapes ripen, the concentration of malic acid decreases. The amount of malic acid in wine grapes is very important to wine makers. The tartness and acidity of malic acid effects the taste of the wine. Following the process of alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation occurs. Enzymes produced by lactic acid bacteria break down malic acid into lactic acid and carbon dioxide. Too much malic acid produces a sour wine. Not enough malic acid results in a flat-tasting wine that is susceptible to spoilage.
Food Preservation
Malic acid has applications in the food industry. It enhances flavors, adds tartness, controls the growth of bacteria and adjusts the pH of an alkaline product. Acid in foods provide stability. Food acids, such as malic acid, are important additives to low-acid foods to prevent spoilage. Malic acid is added to fruit-flavored drinks, lemon-flavored ice tea mixes, candy, ice cream and fruit preserves. Malic acid is an additive in processed cheese, commercially prepared chocolate milk and puddings, processed meats and breakfast cereals.
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