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Potassium Malate

Summary

What it is

Common uses

Public Perception

Anxiety level

Cultural claims

Source sentiment

History

Timeline

Origin

Science

Key findings

Studies

Safety status

Nuance

Alternatives

Swaps

Avoidance tips

References

Fact-checked by Lucent 3 months ago

Potassium Malate

ingredientPreservatives

Total Sources: 47

Verified Claims: 29

Scientific Sources: 20

Summary

Potassium malate (E351) is a salt of malic acid, naturally found in fruits like apples, and is used as a food additive [28], [30]. It functions as an acidity regulator, antioxidant, and flavor enhancer in various food products [28], [16], [30].

What it is

Potassium malate is the potassium salt of malic acid, with the formula K2-C4H4O5 [30], [28]. It occurs naturally in many fruits [28].

Common uses

Acidity regulator [28], [30]
Antioxidant [28], [30]
Flavor enhancer [16], [30]

Public Perception

Anxiety level

Low. Potassium malate is widely used and generally recognized as safe, but awareness of potential risks for specific populations may cause mild concern [25], [21], [22].

Cultural claims

Potassium malate is used in plant foods to provide a sufficient supply of potassium organic anions [7].

Source sentiment

Generally regarded as safe when used as a food additive, but some sources suggest caution for individuals with kidney disease or those on low-potassium diets [25], [21], [22].

History

Timeline

1978

A method for preparing monopotassium L-malate and its monohydrate was patented [26].

2009

EFSA assessed potassium malate when added for nutritional purposes to food supplements [11].

2010

Regulation (EU) No 257/2010 set the re-evaluation program of food additives [9].

2018

EFSA evaluated di-magnesium malate as a novel food ingredient [1], [3], [5].

Origin

To improve and preserve the taste, texture, nutrition, and appearance of food [35].

Science

Key findings

Potassium malate is used as a source of potassium and as an acidity regulator in foods [7], [28].
Increased potassium intake can have beneficial effects on blood pressure [13], [8].
High potassium levels can be dangerous for individuals with kidney disease [25].

Studies

Evaluation of di‐magnesium malate, used as a novel food ingredient and as a source of magnesium in foods for the general population, food supplements, total diet replacement for weight control and food for special medical purposes

The EFSA Panel concluded that if DMM dissociates, magnesium would be available following ingestion of DMM and the availability would appear similar to values reported for other sources of magnesium already permitted [1], [3], [5].

Organic anions and potassium salts in nutrition and metabolism

Organic anions are chiefly supplied by plant foods, as partially neutralised K salts such as potassium citrate, potassium malate and, to a lesser extent, oxalate or tartrate salts [7].

Effect of increased potassium intake on cardiovascular risk factors and disease: systematic review and meta-analyses

Increased potassium intake has beneficial effects on blood pressure in adults [8], [13].

Safety status

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food additive, but some concerns exist for specific populations [16], [11], [25].

Nuance

While potassium is essential, excessive intake, especially from supplements or additives, can lead to hyperkalemia, particularly in individuals with impaired kidney function [21], [25].