Relationship: Energy (lack of) and malic acid

Evidence supporting the use of: Malic acid
For the health condition: Energy (lack of)

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Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Malic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound found in many fruits, particularly apples, and plays a central role in the body's energy production through the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. Its connection to energy comes from its role as an intermediary metabolite that helps generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy currency of cells. Some scientific interest has focused on malic acid supplementation for supporting energy levels, particularly in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia, as these conditions are thought to involve impaired energy metabolism.

A few small clinical trials have explored the effects of malic acid, usually in combination with magnesium, in patients with fibromyalgia. For example, a 1995 double-blind study (Russell et al.) found that a combination of malic acid and magnesium improved pain and tenderness after 8 weeks, but the improvement was not significant at the earlier time point. The study was limited by its small size and combination therapy, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to malic acid. There is a lack of robust, large-scale clinical trials evaluating malic acid alone for addressing fatigue or low energy in otherwise healthy individuals.

Overall, while the biological rationale for malic acid’s role in energy production is strong, actual clinical evidence supporting its use for fatigue or low energy remains limited and inconclusive. The current evidence base rates as weak (2/5), and more rigorous studies are needed before recommending malic acid supplementation for energy support.

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Evidence supporting the use of: Malic acid
For the health condition: Energy (lack of)

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Evidence supporting the use of: Malic acidFor the health condition: Energy (lack of)

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Products containing malic acid

Evidence supporting the use of: Malic acid
For the health condition: Energy (lack of)