Malic Acid: The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia connection
One of its most significant benefits lies in its ability to stimulate metabolism and increase energy production. This action is linked to the important role it plays in a process known as the Krebs cycle – named after Sir Hans Krebs, a German-born British biochemist.
Krebs won the Nobel prize for physiology in 1953. He described how a complex series of biochemical reactions takes place within the body’s cells to transform proteins, fat and carbohydrates into water and energy. The process needs a constant supply of vitamins, enzymes and chemical agents such as malic acid, in order to keep it functioning properly 24 hours a day.
The Krebs cycle is vital to life. Without it our energy production would literally grind to a halt. It is essential that you have adequate supplies of malic acid in order to promote the efficient functioning of this cycle.
Malic acid plays a vital role in improving overall muscle performance, reversing muscle fatigue following exercise, reducing tiredness and poor energy levels, as well as improving mental clarity. These actions can make it a beneficial treatment for sufferers of fibromyalgia and CFS (both these conditions involve muscle pain, joint tenderness and low energy levels).
According to Dr Jay Goldstein, Director of the CFS Institute in the US, ‘Malic acid is safe, inexpensive and it should be considered a valid therapeutic approach for patients with CFS’.
So alkaline dieters, what do you do with that? I guess what we can say is that malic acis should be incl;uded in our 20% of our 80/20 alkaline/acid food intake!
A six-month study was conducted by scientists working at the Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Centre in the US, to examine the efficacy of 1,200mg of malic acid plus 300mg of magnesium a day on 24 fibromyalgia sufferers. Half of the patients were given the active treatment, while the other half only received placebo.
At the end of the study, all of the patients treated with malic acid and magnesium experienced significant improvements in their symptoms – including less pain, reduced muscle stiffness and a more positive mental outlook – without any side effects.
Dr Russell, who led the team of scientists, concluded: ‘The data suggest that malic acid and magnesium are safe and may be beneficial in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia. Future studies should use malic acid at this dose and continue the therapy for at least two months’.
A wide range of benefits
Heavy Metal Chelator
In addition to increasing energy levels, malic acid is also an effective metal chelator. It can bind to potentially toxic metals that may have accumulated in the body, such as aluminium or lead, and hence deactivate them, so our risk of toxicity is considerably reduced. Heavy metal overload has been linked to serious problems like liver disease and brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. (Remember, we use KDF, the world’s best heavy metal reduction filter media in the UltraStream/” title=”UltraStream”>UltraStream/” title=”UltraStream”>UltraStream/” title=”UltraStream”>UltraStream/” title=”UltraStream”>UltraStream/”>UltraStream.
Oral Antiseptic
Malic acid also supports oral hygiene, by stimulating salivation, thus reducing harmful bacteria in your mouth, teeth and gums. It’s an antiseptic, which also helps minimise germs in the mouth, considerably reducing infection risk. That’s why malic acid is commonly used as an ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpastes.
Skin Support
Malic acid also supports good, healthy skin. It is an ‘alpha hydroxy acid’ – a form of fruit acids that similar to those used in many tope end expensive cosmetics for their ability to help exfoliate the skin and act as mild chemical face peels.
Malic Acid: What to take for best results
The recommended dosage for malic acid is 600mg capsules taken one to three times a day before food. There are no known contraindications or toxicity linked to malic acid.
Taking magnesium alongside malic acid seems to have a much more pronounced effect on muscle fatigue. The recommended dosage for magnesium citrate is 140mg capsules taken twice a day.
But.. stay tuned! We are currently processing TGA approval for a VERY interesting effervescent tablet with malic acid and magnesium that creates high hydrogen levels in water!