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Malic acid is an organic compound also known as dicarboxylic acid is the active ingredient in many sour or tart foods. The salts and esters of malic acid are known as malates. Malate anion is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle along with fumarate. Organic compound malic acid is found mostly in unripe fruits known to be helpful in fibromyalgia.

Primary fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition affecting principally middle aged women, characterized by a syndrome of generalized musculoskeletal pain, aches, stiffness, and tenderness at specific anatomical sites. This condition is considered primary when there are no obvious causes. Since it was first described, FM has become recognized as a fairly common rheumatic complaint with a clinical prevalence of 6 to 20 percent. Additionally, FM has been associated with irritable bowel syndrome, tension headache, mitral valve prolapse, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Numerous treatment modalities have been attempted to treat patients with FM, but unfortunately the results have usually been poor. The primary reason for this lack of success was undoubtedly due to our lack of understanding FMs etiology.

In recent years, evidence has accumulated to suggest that FM is the result of local hypoxia in the muscles. For instance, patients with FM have low muscle tissue oxygen pressure in affected muscles, and to a lesser degree the same was found in other tissues. Muscle biopsies from affected areas showed muscle tissue breakdown and mitochondrial damage.

Additionally, low levels of the high energy phosphates ATP, ADP, and phosphocreatine were found. It has been hypothesized that in hypoxic muscle tissues glycolysis is inhibited, reducing ATP synthesis. This stimulates the process of gluconeogenesis, which results in the breakdown of muscle proteins to amino acids that can be utilized as substrates for ATP synthesis. This muscle tissue breakdown, which has been observed in muscle biopsies taken from FM patients, is hypothesized to result in the muscle pain characteristic of FM.

Basically, Organic compound malic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid that plays a role in the complex process of deriving ATP, the energy currency that runs the body, from food. It is synthesized in the body through the citric acid cycle. Its importance to the production of energy in the body during both aerobic and anaerobic conditions is well established.

Although magnesium may reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia, not everyone with FM has low levels of magnesium. To date, the studies have been inconclusive. Yet research indicates that taking an adequate dose of magnesium in combination with malic acid over an extended period of time can significantly reduce the muscle and soft tissue pain associated with fibromyalgia.

It’s unclear how or if these two elements work synergistically, yet magnesium and malic acid are both key components in how energy is produced and transported within the cells of the muscles. Evidence suggests that fibromyalgia results from local hypoxia in the muscles (low oxygen) which in turn contribute to muscle tissue breakdown.

Organic compound malic acid and magnesium is available in capsule of tablet form combined together or separately. Look for quality malic acid and magnesium at your local or internet health food store. Always purchase name brands to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Malic acid and magnesium is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.