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Dietary supplement

Malic Acid Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Ecological Formulas

Malic Acid label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Malic Acid against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Malic Acid is a dietary supplement by Ecological Formulas with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for fibromyalgia symptoms, muscle pain and fatigue, dry mouth (used in some lozenges).Based on those ingredients, 172 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Malic Acid. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Malic Acid by Ecological Formulas

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Malic Acid by Ecological Formulas — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Malic Acid by Ecological Formulas

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 20, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Ecological Formulas' Malic Acid is a single-ingredient supplement in capsule form. The one active ingredient is malic acid itself — an organic acid found in fruits that the body uses in energy production.

The capsule also contains three inactive ingredients: gelatin, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide, which serve as the capsule material and anti-caking agent.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Malic Acid's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: malic acid nutritional co-factor support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Fibromyalgia, Fatigue, muscle pain, energy metabolism.
  • The closest evidence on file: Malic Acid is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Fatigue (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Malic Acid is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Fibromyalgia.

The evidence for malic acid is mixed and limited. It's possibly effective for dry mouth — the one use with some support.

For acne, GERD (acid reflux), fatigue, fibromyalgia, and psoriasis, the data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to say whether it works. If you're considering it for any of those other uses, talk with your doctor about whether the current evidence is enough for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Malic Acid

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Malic acid taken by mouth appears to be well tolerated overall, especially at the amounts found in food. However, supplement-dose safety hasn't been well studied, so caution is advised if you're taking it at higher levels than you'd eat.

A few people reported diarrhea and nausea when taking a combination product containing malic acid and magnesium, though it's unclear which ingredient caused it — magnesium is known to loosen the stool at higher doses. Safety data for topical use on the skin is limited, and when applied that way some people experience eye irritation, skin irritation, or peeling.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Malic Acid

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Malic Acid.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 172 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you're on an antihypertensive drug (blood-pressure medication), double-check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking malic acid. Animal research suggests it may increase the risk of low blood pressure.

For other medication types, no interactions are documented in our data for the ingredient we hold information on.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Malic acid is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth and may help with dry mouth, but the evidence for other uses is sparse. If you take blood-pressure medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — malic acid may lower your blood pressure further.

For any other questions about how it fits your health picture, talk it over with your own healthcare provider.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Malic Acid, straight from the product label.

Brand Ecological Formulas
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2013
DSLD ID 22724
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), No Allergies, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Malic Acid by Ecological Formulas, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
IngredientAmount% DV
Malic Acid600 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

This product is free of corn, soy, yeast, wheat, dairy, or other common food or chemical allergens.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This product has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

ECOLOGICAL FORMULAS

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS Take one or two capsules daily, or as directed by a physician.

General Statements

EXP1013

MALIC ACID is a natural derivative of apple pomace. In human physiology and nutrition, malic acid is a co-factor in the Krebs cycle.

Formula

This product is free of corn, soy, yeast, wheat, dairy, or other common food or chemical allergens.

General

10100677AC

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Malic Acid by Ecological Formulas label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Malic Acid label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Malic Acid by Ecological Formulas

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Malic Acid

Interacts with
172 drugs
600 mg per serving

Malic acid is a natural acid found in apples and other fruits, often combined with magnesium in supplements marketed for fibromyalgia and muscle pain....

Malic Acid monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Malic Acid by Ecological Formulas Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Malic Acid?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
172Drugs
172 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Malic Acid 172

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Malic Acid interact with 172 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Malic Acid interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Malic Acid

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Malic Acid with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Malic Acid1 drug type · 172 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, malic acid might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research shows that malic acid isolated from tagetes roots can reduce mean arterial blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Malic Acid full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Malic Acid, from the product label.

Ecological Formulas

See all Ecological Formulas products
Name
ECOLOGICAL FORMULAS
Street Address
1061-B SHARY CIRCLE
City
CONCORD
State
CA
ZipCode
94518
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Malic Acid by Ecological Formulas: Common Questions

Does Malic Acid by Ecological Formulas interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Malic Acid has a known interaction with 172 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Malic Acid contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take malic acid if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Malic acid is rated likely safe during pregnancy and lactation. That said, supplement doses haven't been well studied, so it's smart to talk with your doctor or midwife before taking it at higher levels than you'd find in food.
Will malic acid help with my fibromyalgia?
The evidence for malic acid in fibromyalgia isn't reliable enough to say. If you're considering it for this, discuss it with your doctor — they can help you weigh what limited data exists against your specific situation.
What if I accidentally swallow malic acid meant for topical use?
Malic acid taken by mouth is generally well tolerated. Some people have reported diarrhea or nausea when taking it in a supplement blend, though it's hard to say if the malic acid or another ingredient (like magnesium) caused it. If you have concerns, reach out to your pharmacist or poison control.
Can I apply malic acid to my skin for acne?
There isn't reliable evidence that malic acid works for acne. If you do apply it topically, know that it can cause skin irritation, peeling, and even hives or contact dermatitis in some people — so a patch test on a small area first is wise.
Does this supplement contain any fillers?
No — the capsule contains only gelatin (the capsule material itself), magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide. These are inactive ingredients that help hold the product together, not fillers in the sense of added bulk.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Malic Acid label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Malic Acid’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Malic Acid

Interacts with 172 drugs

Malic acid is a natural acid found in apples and other fruits, often combined with magnesium in supplements marketed for fibromyalgia and muscle pain. The evidence for its health benefits is...

Read the full Malic Acid monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Malic Acid's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 7 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Malic Acid 7 references
  1. Russell IJ, Michalek JE, Flechas JD, Abraham GE. Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with Super Malic: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover pilot study. J Rheumatol 1995;22:953-8.
  2. Fiume, Z. Final report on the safety assessment of malic acid and sodium malate. Int J Toxicol 2001;20 Suppl 1:47-55. PubMed
  3. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 184 - Direct Food Substances Affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe. Available at: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=786bafc6f6343634fbf79fcdca7061e1&rgn=div5&view=text&node=21:3.0.1.1
  4. Saleem R, Ahmad M, Naz A, et al. Hypotensive and toxicological study of citric acid and other constituents from Tagetes patula roots. Arch Pharm Res 2004;27(10):1037-42.
  5. Chiriac A, Brzezinski P. Topical malic acid in combination with citric acid: an option to treat recalcitrant warts. Dermatol Ther. 2015;28(6):336-8. PubMed
  6. CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 SUBCHAPTER B. 184.1069 Malic Acid. Food and Drug Administration Department Of Health And Human Services. Updated April 1, 2017. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=184.1069.
  7. Amended Safety Assessment of Malic Acid and Sodium Malate as Used in Cosmetics. Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Updated May 19, 2017. http://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/malic%20acid.pdf. Accessed January 24, 2018.

See these in context on the Malic Acid monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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