Research progress on biological functions of L-malic acid and its application in animal production
ZHOU Qingan
WANG Puyang
LI Hong
DENG Liukun
ZHENG Zhenhua
Abstract：Malic acid,a dicarboxylic acid widely found in nature,serves as a key intermediate metabolite in the tricarboxylic acid cycle(TCA).Among them,L-malic acid,the predominant natural isomer,has become a research hotspot in animal nutrition due to its easy absorption,direct involvement in energy metabolism,and green and safe properties.L-malic acid possesses biological functions such as anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,and regulation of microbial flora,effectively alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory states in animals,enhancing intestinal barrier integrity,and thereby improving growth performance,meat quality,and antioxidant capacity.In ruminants,L-malic acid can optimize ruminal fermentation parameters,enhance production performance and nutrient utilization,and help reduce methane emissions.This article reviews the biological characteristics,metabolic pathways,functional mechanisms,and application effects of L-malic acid in animal production,providing a reference for L-malic acid further development and utilization in animal production.
Keywords：L-malic acidmetabolic pathwaysbiological functionsanimal production
Publication Date：2025-12-16
Online Publishing Date：2026-01-31(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 166-171 )