Malic acid

Description: Malic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in various fruits, particularly in apples. It is a dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C4H6O5. Malic acid is known for its tart taste and is commonly used as a food additive to provide a sour or tart flavor.

Natural Sources:

• Apples (especially green apples)
• Grapes
• Watermelon
• Cherries
• Tomatoes

Uses:

1. Food and Beverage Industry:
   • Flavor Enhancer: Malic acid is used to enhance the tartness or sourness in foods and beverages. It is a common ingredient in sour candies and fruit-flavored products.
   • Acidulant: It is employed as an acidulant to adjust the acidity of various food and beverage products.
2. Cosmetics and Personal Care:
   • pH Adjustment: Malic acid is used in cosmetic and personal care products to adjust the pH level.
3. Medical and Nutritional Supplements:
   • Supplements: Malic acid is used in some nutritional supplements and medications.
   • Sports Drinks: It is sometimes included in sports drinks to enhance flavor.
4. Winemaking:
   • Acid Adjustment: In winemaking, malic acid can be added to adjust the acidity of the wine.
5. Cleaning Products:
   • Cleaning Agents: Malic acid is used in some cleaning products due to its ability to remove mineral deposits.

Health Considerations:

• Malic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in food and beverage products in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• It occurs naturally in many fruits and is a component of the body’s energy production process.