What Does Malic Acid Do In Pre Workout?

Medically reviewed by Dr Dimitar Marinov
What Does Malic Acid Do In Pre Workout?

Different pre workout supplements feature different ingredients, but malic acid is one that you’ll see coming up time and time again. But what is malic acid, and, perhaps most importantly, what benefits does it bring to your pre workout mix?

We’re going to take you through everything there is to know about malic acid below. We’ll look at the benefits of malic acid, as well as any potential side effects, advise on the recommended dose, and more.

What Is Malic Acid?

Malic Acid

Malic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that is naturally present in many fruits and vegetables, including apples, lemons, broccoli, and corn. It is also naturally found in the human body and occurs when sugar and carbohydrates are broken down, resulting in energy production.

Malic acid is commonly used in skin care products as it helps to exfoliate away dead skin cells, but it can also be found in many different foods and supplements, including pre workout.

As well as skin care products, it is regularly used to treat certain medical conditions, including dry mouth, kidney stones, melasma, fibromyalgia, and gastrointestinal distress.

Benefits Of Malic Acid In Pre Workout Supplements

So, what are the potential benefits of malic acid in pre workout? While there aren’t as many as some other ingredients commonly used to make pre workout may have, malic acid still does bring a couple of benefits to the mix.

Increased Energy Levels

The biggest benefit of malic acid is that it helps to increase your energy production. It does this by helping the body produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and this is the primary form of energy your cells use both during a workout and throughout the day.

This ability to increase energy levels makes it a perfect ingredient for pre workout, but it also means that it helps you power through your workout without suffering from muscle fatigue too early on.

Reduced Pain

Malic acid paired with magnesium (another common ingredient in pre workout) is capable of reducing pain. This doesn’t only mean that you may be able to lift heavier or keep running for longer but will reduce the pain associated with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), helping you stay in the gym more consistently.

Recommended Dosage Of Malic Acid

There is no standard dosage recommended for malic acid as it is non-toxic and naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. However, it is important that you ensure you follow the recommended dosage on any pre workout you’re taking, as other ingredients will be in the mix, which could result in side effects if overdosed.

How Should You Take Malic Acid?

Malic acid (or citrulline malate) is best taken alongside food, as this is where it naturally occurs. Taking malic acid supplements alongside food also allows the body to absorb and process it more efficiently, which, in turn, means it can get to work faster.

When Should You Take Malic Acid?

When Should You Take Malic Acid?

You can take malic acid at any time of the day as it has no adverse effect on the circadian rhythm, so it won’t disrupt your sleep. It is important to remember, however, that a pre workout that contains malic acid will also contain caffeine and other stimulants that do need to be taken at certain times, so be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.

Where Can I Buy Pre Workout Supplements With Malic In?

You can buy pre workout supplements that contain malic acid from Power Supps. You’ll also find a range of other pre workouts here, along with other supplements that are ideal for enhancing your athletic performance.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Malic Acid Supplementation?

Potential Side Effects Of Malic Acid Supplementation

There are no known side effects associated with malic acid, and since it is so common in fruits and vegetables, adding malic acid to supplements is highly unlikely to result in any adverse effects.

As always, however, it is important to make sure that you follow any dosage recommendations on pre workouts and other health supplements you may be taking to avoid side effects from overdosing on other ingredients contained within, such as allergic reactions or nausea.

Final Thoughts On Malic Acid In Pre Workout Supplements

You’ll find malic acid on almost every pre workout supplement you look at these days, and while it doesn’t have as many health benefits as other ingredients, it is still capable of helping you increase energy levels, reduce pain, and recover faster.

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