E296 MALIC ACID DL or L
Malic acid (chiral molecule) is a natural acidifying compound widespread in nature, in many fruits (such as 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, ie the Krebs cycle, present within the mitochondria.
The malic acid used commercially by the food industry is obtained, however, through chemical synthesis.
Malic acid is used as a flavoring and color stabilizer, in particular in apple and grape juices, but it can also be added with the wording "to taste" in jams, jellies, fruit spreads, in some diet foods etc. Malic acid is also present in wine, where together with tartaric acid it is one of the main responsible for fixed acidity. Wine produced with immature grapes has a higher concentration of malic acid than other wines and this causes unpleasant flavors.
High consumption is not recommended for infants and children, as it may cause digestive disorders (especially the DL form) due to the fact that they lack the ability to metabolize large amounts of malic acid.
No negative side effects are currently known.
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