Fumaric acid is a natural compound with various Fumaric Acid Applications. It helps control how sour or acidic things taste, and you can find it in many products you use every day. Fumaric acid serves multiple roles in food, feed, and medicine, making it a safe ingredient. Major health organizations around the world endorse its use.
Regulatory Framework | Description |
|---|---|
Companies must adhere to strict rules, which can increase costs and complicate sales. | |
FDA Guidelines | Drug manufacturers must comply with specific regulations in the United States. |
Fumaric acid is beneficial for many diets, accommodating vegan, halal, and kosher requirements.
Key Takeaways
Fumaric acid makes food safer and tastier. It works as a preservative and acidulant. This helps food stay fresh longer. It also makes food taste better.
In animal feed, fumaric acid helps animals digest food. It helps them take in more nutrients. Animals grow stronger and healthier. It also lowers bad bacteria.
Fumaric acid is safe for many diets. People who eat vegan, halal, or kosher can use it. Big health groups like the FDA say it is safe.
In medicine, fumaric acid derivatives help treat some diseases. They help with multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. These medicines lower swelling. They help people feel better.
What Is Fumaric Acid?
Properties
Fumaric acid is a solid that looks white and has no smell. It tastes a bit like fruit. It is part of the dicarboxylic acid family. You can check its chemical facts in the table below:
Property | Value |
|---|---|
C4H4O4 | |
IUPAC Name | (E)-Butenedioic acid |
Molecular Weight | 116 amu |
State | Solid (white color) |
Taste | Fruit-like |
Type | Dicarboxylic acid |
Isomer | Trans-isomer |
Carbon-Carbon Bond | Double bond |
Fumaric acid looks like a clear, crystal powder. It does not mix well with water. If the pieces are smaller, it mixes a little better. This acid does not break down in sunlight. That is why it is used in things that stay outside. It reacts fast, so it helps make new things. Fumaric acid can join with metal ions. This makes it good for vitamins and medicine.
Sources
Fumaric acid comes from nature and factories. The table below shows where it is found:
Source Type | Examples/Methods |
|---|---|
Natural Sources | Fruits (tomatoes, carrots, apples), fungi (Rhizopus), lichens, human metabolism |
Synthetic Sources | Isomerization of maleic acid, fermentation using fungi like Rhizopus oryzae |
You can get fumaric acid from fruits and veggies like tomatoes and carrots. Some fungi and lichens make it too. Your body also makes fumaric acid when it uses food for energy. Factories make it by changing maleic acid or by using fungi to turn sugar into fumaric acid. Some companies use oil-based ways or special science methods to make a lot of it.
Industry Relevance
Fumaric acid is used in many jobs because it has special traits. In food, it keeps things fresh and controls sourness. It works better than citric or tartaric acid for this. In medicine, it helps keep drugs safe and working well. Factories use fumaric acid to make strong plastics. These plastics are used in cars and buildings.
Application Sector | Fumaric Acid Usage | Comparison with Other Dicarboxylic Acids |
|---|---|---|
Food | Acidulant, preservative | More efficient than citric and tartaric acid |
Pharmaceuticals | Stabilizing agent | Unique properties enhance product performance |
Industrial Manufacturing | Key ingredient in UPRs | Provides rigidity and heat resistance in plastics |
Fumaric acid is in many foods as E297.
It helps make tough plastics for cars and buildings.
Its safety and strength help in things you use every day.
Tip: When you pick things with fumaric acid, you get safe and good quality in food, medicine, and other products.
Fumaric Acid Applications in Food
Functions in Food
Fumaric acid is in lots of foods. It does many helpful things. It makes food taste sour or tart. It works as an acidulant to keep pH right. This helps food stay fresh and safe. Fumaric acid is also a preservative. It stops bacteria and mold from growing. Your food lasts longer because of this. Drinks and candies taste tangy because of fumaric acid. It keeps sauces and gummies smooth. Fumaric acid helps food keep its color and flavor.
Here is a table that shows what fumaric acid does in food:
Function | Description |
|---|---|
Acidulant | Keeps pH steady and makes food taste better. |
Preservative | Stops germs and keeps food good longer. |
Flavor Enhancer | Gives drinks and candy a sharp, tangy taste. |
Texture Stabilizer | Helps gummies and sauces stay smooth. |
Antimicrobial Activity | Stops bad germs from growing and keeps food safe. |
Fumaric acid works better than citric or malic acid. You need less of it to make food sour. Juices and candies stay tart for longer. Fumaric acid makes juice taste sweeter and not too sour.
Fumaric acid lowers pH to stop food from spoiling.
It fights bacteria, molds, and yeasts.
It keeps texture, color, and flavor steady.
It helps stop fats and oils from going bad.
Food Examples
You find fumaric acid in many foods you eat. Fruit juices and sodas use it for a tart taste. Baked goods use fumaric acid to make dough strong. Sour candies and gummies get their flavor and chewiness from it. Sauces and jams use fumaric acid to keep their taste. Dry mixes use it to stop clumps. Dairy foods use fumaric acid to balance acid. Cured meats use it to stay fresh and taste good.
Here is a table showing how much fumaric acid foods can have:
Food Category | Maximum Level (mg/kg) |
|---|---|
Fruit-flavoured desserts | 4000 |
Sugar confectionery | 1000 |
Chewing gum | 2000 |
Decorations, coatings and fillings | 1000 |
Fillings and toppings for fine bakery ware | 2500 |
Instant products for preparation of flavoured tea and herbal infusions | 1000 |
Gel-like desserts, fruit-flavoured desserts, dry powdered dessert mixes | 1000 |
Benefits
Fumaric acid gives food many benefits. It helps food last longer by stopping germs. This means you throw away less food and save money. Fumaric acid keeps taste strong and fresh, especially in sour snacks and drinks. Foods with fumaric acid keep their color and texture better. It helps stop fats from turning bad, so food stays safe and tasty.
Here is a table that shows the main benefits:
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Shelf-life extension | Fumaric acid stops germs and helps food last longer. |
Antimicrobial properties | It keeps food safe by fighting germs. |
Flavor enhancement | Fumaric acid makes sour snacks and drinks taste stronger. |
Fumaric acid changes germs so they cannot grow.
It works with other acids to fight bad bacteria like E. coli.
You get safer food that lasts longer.
Tip: If you pick foods with fumaric acid, you get better taste, longer freshness, and safer snacks. Fumaric Acid Applications in food help you enjoy drinks and baked goods with more confidence.
Fumaric Acid Applications in Feed
Role in Nutrition
Adding fumaric acid to animal feed helps animals eat better. It lowers the pH in their stomachs. This helps animals break down proteins and use amino acids. Fumaric acid makes it harder for bad bacteria to grow. Animals can take in minerals and proteins more easily. They get more from their food. Fumaric acid keeps the gut healthy by balancing good microbes. Animals may grow faster and use their food better, especially when they are young.
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Lowers gastric pH, enhancing protein digestion and amino acid availability. | |
Pathogen Control | Creates an unfavorable environment for pathogenic bacteria, reducing their survival rate. |
Nutrient Digestibility | Improves absorption of minerals and proteins, enhancing overall feed efficiency. |
Gut Health | Modulates intestinal microbiota, reducing digestive disorders and the need for antibiotics. |
Performance Improvement | Leads to better growth rates and feed conversion ratios, especially in young animals. |
Tip: You can help animals eat better and stay healthy by picking feed with fumaric acid.
Animal Health Benefits
Fumaric acid helps animals become stronger and healthier. Animals that eat this feed may weigh more and grow faster. Their blood has more hemoglobin and red blood cells. They also have more total protein in their blood. This means they use nutrients better. Fumaric acid keeps the gut healthy, so animals have fewer stomach problems. Studies show broilers, tilapia, and quail do better with fumaric acid in their food. You can see more details in the table below.
Metric | Effect of Fumaric Acid Supplementation |
|---|---|
Body Weight | |
Average Daily Gain | Increased in FA group |
Feed Conversion Ratio | Improved in FA group |
Hemoglobin Concentration | Higher in FA group compared to HS group |
Erythrocyte Counts | Significantly higher in FA group |
Serum Total Protein | Increased in FA group |
Gut Health | Beneficial effects noted |
Study Title | Findings | |
|---|---|---|
Lower feed intake and reduced pathogenic bacteria in broilers fed organic acids. | ||
Dietary Supplementation with Fumaric Acid Improves Growth Performance in Nile Tilapia Juveniles | Fumaric acid enhances cellular ATP production and has antimicrobial properties. | |
Use of fumaric acid as a feed additive in quail’s nutrition | Increased metabolizable energy and growth performance in broiler chicks. | |
Organic acids in poultry industry: a review | Organic acids improve health status and production performance in poultry. |
Feed Examples
Fumaric acid is found in many kinds of animal feed. Beef cattle feed uses fumaric acid to lower methane and help rumen health. Goats get fumaric acid in corn and alfalfa hay. This raises ruminal pH and cuts down methane. The amount of fumaric acid changes for each animal and feed type. The table below shows how much fumaric acid is in different feeds.
Animal Feed Type | Fumaric Acid Concentration (g/kg DMI) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Beef Cattle (Barley Silage) | 10.6 | No effect on total VFA concentration |
Beef Cattle (Barley Silage) | 29 | Decrease in acetate:propionate ratio |
Beef Cattle (Sorghum Silage) | 20 | 20% reduction in methane production |
Goats (Corn & Alfalfa Hay) | 24 | Increased ruminal pH, decreased methane |
Fumaric Acid Applications help animals grow, use food better, and keep farms healthier.
Fumaric Acid Applications in Pharmaceuticals
Medical Uses
Fumaric acid and its derivatives are in many medicines. Doctors use them to help with different health problems. Dimethyl fumarate is used for people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. It changes how the immune system works and lowers swelling. Fumaric acid esters are also used for psoriasis. These medicines lower some immune cells, which helps with skin problems. Some studies say fumaric acid can protect nerves and may help with brain disorders. Researchers found these compounds can lower swelling in the heart and might slow cancer growth.
Pharmaceutical Use | Description |
|---|---|
Psoriasis | Fumaric acid esters help control skin symptoms. |
Multiple Sclerosis | Dimethyl fumarate treats relapsing-remitting MS. |
Inflammatory Conditions | These compounds lower inflammation in the body. |
Neuroprotection | Dimethyl fumarate may protect nerves. |
Carcinogenesis | Fumaric acid may slow cancer growth. |
Tissue Engineering | Used in making biodegradable scaffolds. |
Drug Delivery | Helps carry medicines to the right place in your body. |
Note: Fumaric acid derivatives can make T-cells less active and lower harmful cytokines. This helps your body fight sickness in a safer way.
Fumarate Salts
There are different fumarate salts in medicine. Monomethyl fumarate is used for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. Dimethyl fumarate is used for the same problems and is sold as Tecfidera, Skilarence, and Fumaderm. Diroximel fumarate is another choice and is called Vumerity. Monoethyl fumarate comes with minerals like zinc, magnesium, and calcium. These salts help your body use the medicine and make it easier to take.
Monomethyl fumarate (MMF) is for psoriasis and MS.
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is used for similar health problems.
Diroximel fumarate (DRF) is another approved medicine.
Monoethyl fumarate (MEF) comes with minerals like zinc and magnesium.
Product Examples
Medicines with fumaric acid derivatives have been used since 1959. Early treatments used fumaric acid esters because plain fumaric acid could cause irritation. Today, you can find Tecfidera and Vumerity for multiple sclerosis. Skilarence and Fumaderm are used for psoriasis. Doctors often give these medicines to people who have both psoriasis and MS. Clinical trials show dimethyl fumarate can lower the number of MS relapses and help with skin problems in psoriasis. Some studies say these medicines can help blood vessels work better and lower insulin resistance.
Fumaric acid esters are approved for relapsing MS.
Doctors use them as a second choice for psoriasis.
Dimethyl fumarate lowers MS relapses over two years.
People with psoriasis and MS may get help from these medicines.
Tip: If you need help for MS or psoriasis, talk to your doctor about fumaric acid derivatives. These medicines have good results and may help you feel better.
Safety and Regulations
Regulatory Status
You can trust fumaric acid because health groups say it is safe. The FDA calls it GRAS, which means “Generally Recognized as Safe.” The EFSA says it is okay to use and gives it the code E297. Many places in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America also allow fumaric acid in food and feed.
Authority | Status |
|---|---|
FDA | GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) |
EFSA | Approved under code E297 |
Other | Permitted in various countries |
Fumaric acid is found in foods, animal feeds, and medicines. Rules tell you how much you can use. These rules help keep people safe.
Safety Profile
Fumaric acid is safe if you use the right amount. The FDA and EFSA set limits for animal feed. Pigs and poultry can have up to 20,000 mg/kg. Young animals with milk replacers can have up to 10,000 mg/kg. Other animals do not have strict limits.
Most people do not have problems with fumaric acid.
Some people may get stomach pain, feel sick, or have diarrhea, especially at first.
Flushing happens in about 30% of people.
Rarely, serious problems like kidney or liver issues can happen.
A case of fully reversible tubular toxicity with metabolic bone problems after fumaric acid therapy was reported. This side effect is very rare and has not been described before.
You should always use the amount that is recommended. Doctors and food makers use safe levels to protect you.
Dietary Suitability
Fumaric acid can be used in many diets. Most products use fumaric acid from vegetables or made in factories. Groups say it is good for vegan, halal, and kosher diets.
Source Type | Description |
|---|---|
Animal | Possible but not common |
Vegetable | Commonly derived from vegetables |
Synthetic | Typically used in commercial products |
People with special diets can eat foods with fumaric acid. You do not need to worry about animal ingredients. Fumaric acid fits many dietary needs and beliefs.
Tip: If you have questions about food safety or diet rules, check the label or ask the maker. Fumaric acid helps make food and feed safer for everyone.
Fumaric acid is used in food, animal feed, and medicine. It helps control pH and makes flavors better. It also gives health benefits that are proven.
Here is a simple table to show how it compares:
Additive | Applications |
|---|---|
Fumaric Acid | Food additive, pH control, stops malolactic fermentation in wines |
Citric Acid | Antioxidant, preservative, acidulant, pH control, flavor help |
People all over the world use fumaric acid. More research is finding new ways to make it safely. Studies show it is safe for long-term use. It works well for people with chronic diseases. You can trust fumaric acid for many diets.
FAQ
What foods contain fumaric acid?
You find fumaric acid in fruit juices, baked goods, sour candies, jams, and sauces. It helps these foods taste tart and stay fresh. You can check food labels for E297 to spot it.
Is fumaric acid safe for you to eat?
Yes, you can safely eat foods with fumaric acid. Health groups like the FDA and EFSA approve it. Most people do not have side effects when they eat normal amounts.
Can you eat fumaric acid if you follow a vegan, halal, or kosher diet?
You can eat fumaric acid if you follow vegan, halal, or kosher diets. Most companies make it from plants or by fermentation. It does not come from animals.
What does fumaric acid do in animal feed?
Fumaric acid helps animals digest food better. It keeps their stomachs healthy and supports growth. Farmers use it to improve animal health and feed efficiency.
Are there any side effects from fumaric acid in medicine?
Most people do not have problems. Some may feel stomach pain, flushing, or nausea at first. These effects usually go away. Always follow your doctor’s advice.
