Potassium malate

E 351

Fixed

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Potassium malate, dipotassium malate exact, is twice the potassium salt of malic acid. The salts of malic acid, the Malate, are deemed to be participants in the citric acid cycle component of all living aerobic cells.

The potassium malate is synthesized from malic acid or fumaric acid or obtained biotechnologically as a metabolic product of bacteria and fungi.

Properties

Stereochemistry

Potassium malate as the corresponding malic acid has a chiral center and is optically active. The two enantiomers of the Kaliummalats, L- and D- potassium malate, have the same physical properties, but differ in α in the direction of the rotation value. The racemic mixture, DL- potassium malate, differs in some physical properties - such as the melting point - however, differ significantly from those of the pure enantiomers.

Use

It is in the EU as a food additive under the number E 351 ​​no maximum limit ( quantum satis ) generally approved for all foods and find so as acidity regulator or acidifying agents used in, for example, canned vegetables, soups and sauces, fruit products and soft drinks. It supports anti-oxidants in their effects and affects flavor enhancing and can help to reduce sweeteners in sugar-free products therefore.

Regarding the food technology use, there are no health concerns.