Sodium malates

Sodium malates — monosodium malate and disodium malate — are the sodium salts of malic acid, the organic acid found naturally in apples, pears, and many other fruits. They function as acidity regulators and humectants in beverages, confectionery, jams, and fruit-flavoured products, imparting a smooth, fruit-like acidity and modulating pH more gently than citric or tartaric acid.

JECFA's ADI is "not specified," evaluated in 1973. Malic acid is a normal intermediate in human energy metabolism (the Krebs cycle), and sodium malates are metabolised through identical pathways. No adverse effects have been identified at any realistic dietary intake from food additive use.

Sodium malates are approved in the EU, US (GRAS), UK, and most global markets. They contribute modestly to dietary sodium intake but amounts from typical food additive use are small. Most commonly found in fruit beverages, hard candies, sugar-free confectionery, and flavoured snacks. There are no known health concerns for healthy adults at normal dietary exposures.