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Dietary supplement

Malic Acid Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson Premium Brand

Malic Acid label
See full label image
Powder Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 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 Swanson Premium Brand 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 Swanson Premium Brand

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Malic Acid by Swanson Premium Brand

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.

This is a single-ingredient product: malic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in fruits like apples. Swanson Premium Brand Malic Acid contains no other active ingredients or fillers.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Malic Acid's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Malic Acid for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Dry mouth — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for malic acid is mixed and incomplete. It's possibly effective for dry mouth, but the data we hold does not establish reliable evidence for acne, GERD, fatigue, fibromyalgia, or psoriasis.

For most of those uses, the evidence just isn't there yet.

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 in food amounts is generally well tolerated. However, safety studies on supplement doses haven't been done, so we don't have solid data on how safe high-dose powder use really is—caution is advised, and your doctor should weigh in before you take it at supplement strength.

Orally, the most reported side effects are diarrhea and nausea, though it's not entirely clear whether malic acid alone or a combination with other ingredients (like magnesium) causes them. Topical use on skin can cause irritation and peeling.

Pregnancy and lactation are rated as likely safe, but talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product makes sense for you during that time.

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.

Blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) are the main concern—malic acid may increase the risk of low blood pressure when combined with them. Check your exact medications with the search tool on this page before taking this product.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Malic Acid is a simple, single-ingredient supplement possibly effective for dry mouth, though evidence for other uses is weak or missing. The main caution is with blood pressure medications—they and malic acid together could lower your pressure too much.

If you're on any blood pressure drug, clear this with your doctor or pharmacist before you start, and let them know if you notice dizziness or lightheadedness.

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 Nov 21, 2019.

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 Swanson Premium Brand
Barcode (UPC) 087614116365
Net contents 5.3 Oz(s); 150 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2019
DSLD ID 206363
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses No Claim
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Swanson Premium Brand, 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:
2.5 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2.5 Gram(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
087614116365
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Malic Acid2.5 Gram(s)--

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.
General Statements

Bringing wellness to the world since 1969

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, mix one level scoop (2.5 g) in eight ounces of cold beverage.

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

See for yourself

Malic Acid by Swanson Premium Brand 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 Swanson Premium Brand

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

Serving size2.5 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Malic Acid

Interacts with
172 drugs
2.5 Gram(s) 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
Interaction report

Malic Acid by Swanson Premium Brand 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.

Swanson Premium Brand

See all Swanson Premium Brand products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
www.swansonvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Malic Acid by Swanson Premium Brand: Common Questions

Does Malic Acid by Swanson Premium Brand 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.
Is malic acid safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Malic acid is rated as likely safe during pregnancy and lactation according to the data we hold. That said, any supplement decision during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be made with your doctor or pharmacist, since individual situations vary.
What are the most common side effects?
Orally, diarrhea and nausea have been reported in people taking malic acid supplements, though it's unclear whether malic acid alone or other ingredients in the formulation caused them. If you use it topically on skin, irritation and peeling are the main risks.
Will this help my fibromyalgia or fatigue?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish whether malic acid works for either of those. The data just isn't there yet to say yes or no.
Does this powder contain any fillers or binders?
No—this product lists no inactive ingredients. It's malic acid only.
Is malic acid the same thing I eat when I bite into an apple?
Yes, malic acid occurs naturally in apples and other fruits. The difference is that this powder is a concentrated supplement dose, which hasn't been studied as thoroughly as food amounts, so caution is warranted.

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

Not sure if Malic Acid is safe with your meds?

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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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