Magnesium malate/malic acid and photosensitivity

May 13, 2017 11:36 AM

I'm supposed to start taking supplemental magnesium malate soon- could this form of magnesium {compounded with malic acid} cause issues with sun exposure? I'm asking because I know that malic acid, as an alpha hydroxy acid, is known to provoke reactions to sun exposure when applied topically and, since summer is almost here, it got me wondering whether that could be the case once taken orally as well. Any help {and sources you can find} is highly appreciated, thanks a lot!
posted by opalshards to Health & Fitness (3 answers total)

Also, the inside of your body is no stranger to malic acid. It's in fruit and the body even generates it itself (in the citric acid cycle).

Once dissolved, magnesium malate will be indistinguishable from magnesium ions and malic acid, both of which are common in the body and so shouldn't cause problems (barring anything that happens at high doses)
posted by firesine at 5:02 PM on May 13, 2017 [1 favorite]

I've taken both magnesium malate and malic acid alone for extended periods and have had zero changes in photosensitivity. I know it's anecdotal, but I burn easily and understand your concern.
posted by quince at 11:29 PM on May 13, 2017

Malate is indeed a normal intermediate in human metabolism and a normal component of food. Adding a gram or so to your daily diet through that supplement would be like drinking a cup or two of apple juice. Accordingly the FDA warning is specifically about topically-applied AHAs.

If you're still skeeved out for whatever reason, you could always try something like magnesium glycinate instead; glycine is an amino acid.
posted by en forme de poire at 9:05 PM on May 14, 2017