Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidencePhysical performance

Malic Acid

A Krebs cycle intermediate found in apples, used for fibromyalgia pain and as the malate half of citrulline malate. The fibromyalgia evidence is one small pilot trial, and malate's own contribution to citrulline malate has never been isolated.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Fibromyalgia pain Limited evidence

    A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover pilot study of magnesium plus malic acid found no significant benefit in the blinded phase; improvements appeared only in the open-label, higher-dose extension. A later evidence summary concluded the certainty is very low.

  • Exercise performance as citrulline malate Limited evidence

    A critical review of citrulline malate supplementation notes that malate is usually given at a fixed ratio with citrulline and that no trial has separated the effects of the two. Any performance benefit cannot be attributed to malic acid itself.

  • Energy metabolism Limited evidence

    The rationale that supplemental malate boosts ATP production through the Krebs cycle is theoretical. No human trial has demonstrated increased energy output from malic acid alone.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe fibromyalgia trial used 200–600 mg/day of malic acid with magnesium. Citrulline malate products supply malate at roughly a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio with citrulline, typically 3–8 g total.
SafetyWell tolerated; the acid can cause mild stomach upset or worsen reflux at higher doses, and it is mildly erosive to tooth enamel in acidic drinks. Magnesium-malate combinations can cause loose stools from the magnesium.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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