E296 - Malic acid

E296 MALIC ACID DL or L

Malic acid (chiral molecule) is a natural acidifying compound widespread in nature, in many fruits (as for example in apples or grapes) and in many vegetables. Malic acid is also contained in plants and animals, including humans. In fact, malic acid is a key intermediate in the cellular energy production cycle, namely the Krebs cycle, present inside the mitochondria.

However, the malic acid used commercially by the food industry is obtained through chemical synthesis.

Malic acid is used as a flavoring and color stabilizing substance, especially in apple and grape juices, but can also be added with the word "qb" also in jams, jellies, spreads, in some diet foods. etc. Malic acid is also present in wine, where together with tartaric acid it is one of the main causes of fixed acidity. The wine produced with immature grapes has a higher concentration of malic acid than other wines and this causes unpleasant flavors.

High consumption for infants and children is not recommended, because it could cause digestive problems (in particular the DL form) due to the fact that they lack the ability to metabolize large quantities of malic acid.

At the moment no negative side effects are known.

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