Together with experts, we’ll figure out why succinic acid helps improve health, normalize weight, and make hair and skin beautiful.
- What is this
- For what
- Benefit
- Harm
- For weight loss
- For hair
- Succinic acid for women after 40 years
- Doctor's comments
- Cosmetologist's comment
What is succinic acid
succinic acid is a substance that is involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy source for biochemical processes (1). Crystallized into powder, it tastes like citric acid, easily dissolves in water and alcohol, and has a melting point of 185 °C° (2).
Colorless crystals were first mined in the 17th century. The compound is obtained from natural amber, although the acid is found in the human body and in various foods. So, she was discovered in yogurt, sugar beets, rhubarb, sauerkraut, seafood (mainly oysters), rye grains, brewer's yeast, cheese, grapes and unripe gooseberries. The content of this acid in wine usually ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 g/l, but the maximum concentration can reach 3 g/l (3).
What is succinic acid used for?
In the human body, succinic acid is found in the form of salts and anions, which are usually called succinates. It is an intermediate product of almost all metabolic reactions. It is these substances that ensure the cell’s absorption of diatomic oxygen, and therefore normalize the breakdown of substances and energy metabolism.
Succinic acid is used in medicine and cosmetology, and is recommended by nutritionists. Some manufacturers enrich their products with this substance. Pharmaceutical products rich in succinates are used by professional athletes to quickly mobilize energy reserves, activate metabolism, and make the body more resilient.
Polina Vladimirova, therapist: “Calculating the daily dose is easy. To do this, you need to use the following formula: multiply 0.03 g by your body weight. The resulting figure will be considered the daily norm. It is necessary to take succinic acid only with the permission of the attending physician and in strict compliance with the dosage specified in the instructions.”
Succinic acid is used in medicine, cosmetology and the food industry
Benefits of succinic acid
Since this substance has anti-inflammatory properties, it is used as an adjuvant for kidney disease, cirrhosis and fatty liver tissue, tonsillitis, bronchial asthma, acute respiratory infections and anemia. Succinic acid can reduce the toxic effect of some drugs, but it is better to discuss compatibility with drugs with a therapist. The substance is often prohibited from being taken together with barbiturates and anxiolytics.
For good health
The substance has many beneficial properties, but it cannot be considered as the only way to treat diseases. Before using the substance, consult your doctor. Research shows that succinic acid:
- suppresses bacterial activity (4);
- improves digestion (5);
- activates the function of the pancreas;
- has antioxidant properties;
- increases performance and concentration, is indicated for patients with traumatic brain injury, as it improves oxidative metabolism in brain cells (6);
- accelerates the process of alcohol processing, so it can be used as hangover remedy (7).
Succinic acid in cosmetic products helps minimize age spots, exfoliate, cleanse pores, eliminate excess oily skin and relieve inflammation
For beauty
“Succinic acid is used by medical professionals, and we predict it will be used more frequently in the beauty industry, just like tranexamic acid,” says Mark Curry, co-founder of The INKEY List, a skincare brand. “The substance is naturally found in amber, whose antimicrobial properties have been used in therapy for centuries.” (9). In cosmetology, succinic acid promotes:
- minimizing age spots;
- natural exfoliation (less compared to salicylic acid) (10);
- cleansing pores;
- eliminating excess oily skin;
- relieving inflammation.
Before using products with new ingredients, be sure to test on a separate area of the skin. to avoid allergies. If it is not available, succinic acid is suitable even for sensitive skin.
Harm of succinic acid
The dietary supplement can be purchased at a pharmacy. The price depends on the manufacturer, release form and concentration. On average, the cost varies from 20 rubles. (30 tablets of 50 mg) up to 2 thousand rubles. (0.5 kg of powder, concentration – 100 mg). There are a number of contraindications to the use of succinic acid. In addition to pronounced allergic reactions, these include:
- heart disease, including angina pectoris;
- high blood pressure;
- gastrointestinal diseases, especially ulcers;
- glaucoma.
The substance should be taken with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Polina Vladimirova, therapist: “Succinic acid excites the brain (has the opposite effect of tranquilizers), so you should not take the pills at night.”
Contraindications to succinic acid
Taking succinic acid is contraindicated for:
- peptic ulcer during its exacerbation (succinates strongly irritate the mucous membrane of the digestive tract);
- gastritis with hypersecretion;
- high blood pressure;
- coronary heart disease and angina pectoris;
- urolithiasis (succinic acid stimulates metabolism, which leads to more intense formation of oxalate stones);
- severe form of gestosis in pregnant women;
- glaucoma.
Succinic acid for weight loss
Doctors looked at insulin resistance and the effect of succinic acid on metabolism in obesity (eleven). They concluded that the substance reduced the amount of white adipose tissue, but did not change glucose and insulin tolerance, appetite or body weight.
Polina Vladimirova: “Succinic acid is actively used for weight loss. Its effect is somewhat similar to that of caffeine. It accelerates and improves the process of fat breakdown and promotes energy formation. Taking the supplement alone is not enough; you must follow a diet and physical activity, because… The Krebs cycle, a key step in cellular respiration, requires oxygen. Thanks to succinic acid, tissue metabolic processes occur in the body, which ensures the supply of oxygen to all organs and systems. Carbon derivatives are found in plant crops: tomatoes, herbs and even potatoes. If there is a shortage of vegetable dishes in the diet, there is a deficiency of succinic acid. The need for it especially increases with increased physical activity.”
Succinic acid has anti-inflammatory properties
Succinic acid for hair
The substance is often added to hair products: shampoos, conditioners, rinses and masks. According to manufacturers, succinic acid helps strengthen the hair shaft, activates growth, facilitates combing and has a beneficial effect on the scalp.. Research confirms its positive effects on both European and Asian hair, including colored and damaged hair (12).
Succinic acid for women after 40 years
Alexey Zhito clarifies that succinic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect and contains many antioxidants, and therefore is often used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases of the joints, tonsillitis, and helps strengthen the immune system, which is especially important with age.
Using the supplement improves well-being during the perimenopausal period. This is important for women after 40 years: succinic acid…
