1. Basic Information
· Chemical Name: L-Malic Acid Calcium
· CAS Number: 118768-13-1
· Molecular Formula: C₄H₄CaO₅ (usually exists in the form of hydrated compound C₄H₆CaO₆)
· English Name: Calcium L-malate
· EINECS Number: 601-111-7
2. Chemical Structure and Properties
L-citric acid calcium is the calcium salt of citric acid. Citric acid is an organic acid naturally present in many fruits (especially apples), and it has a pleasant sour taste. It has two stereoisomers: the L form and the D form. The form found in nature is L-citric acid, and L-citric acid calcium is derived from it.
· Structural feature: It is composed of one calcium ion (Ca²⁺) and two L-lactic acid root ions.
· Appearance: Usually appears as white or off-white crystalline powder.
· Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, almost insoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol.
· Taste: Has a mild and persistent sour taste, without aftertaste of bitterness.
3. Main purposes
L-calcium malate combines the nutritional functions of calcium with the properties of malic acid, and thus has wide applications in various fields:
Food industry (as a food additive)
· Acid regulator: Used to adjust the pH value of food and beverages, providing a gentle and long-lasting sour taste and improving the overall taste.
· Flavor enhancer: When combined with other souring agents (such as citric acid), it can make the sourness more natural, more harmonious, and prolong the flavor duration.
· Calcium nutrition fortifier: As a high-quality calcium source, it is added to various foods that require calcium supplementation, such as:
· Infant formula milk powder
· Nutritional bars and cereal breakfasts
· Sports drinks and functional beverages
· Juices and dairy products
2. Medicine and Health Supplements
· Calcium supplement: Due to its excellent bioavailability, it is often used as a calcium source in dietary supplements. Malic acid is believed to facilitate the absorption and utilization of calcium in the body.
· Potassium channel opener: In the field of medicine, L-calcium malate is a key intermediate for synthesizing certain drugs (such as nicorandil). Nicorandil is a potassium channel opener and is mainly used to treat angina pectoris.
3. Other Applications
· Cosmetics: Sometimes used in cosmetics as a pH regulator and skin conditioner. Malic acid is one of the components of the skin's natural moisturizing factors.
4. Advantages and Features
· High bioavailability: Compared to some other calcium salts (such as calcium carbonate), L-lactic acid calcium is easier to dissolve and absorb even in the absence of sufficient stomach acid.
· Mild gastrointestinal reactions: Compared to calcium carbonate, it has a lower risk of causing gastrointestinal discomfort such as constipation and bloating.
· Excellent flavor: Its acidic taste is pure and mild, without the bitter taste of some calcium salts (such as calcium chloride), making it highly suitable for use in food and beverages.
· Good stability: It has excellent chemical stability and storage stability.
5. Safety and Regulations
L-calcium malate is considered safe and non-toxic. It has been approved by the following institutions for use in food:
· U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Classifies it as a "generally recognized as safe" substance.
· European Food Safety Authority: Approves its use as a food additive.
· China: According to GB 2760 "Food Safety National Standard - Use Standards of Food Additives", it can be used as an acid regulator in various foods.
Summary
CAS 118768-13-1 (L- Citric Acid Calcium) is an important compound that integrates nutrition, flavor and functionality. It is not only an excellent acidulant and calcium fortifier in the food industry, but also a key intermediate in the pharmaceutical field. With its high absorption rate and good tolerance, it has become an ideal form of calcium supplementation and holds an important position in the health food and health supplement markets.