Succinic acid is an active participant in metabolism in the human body. It comes from outside with food and is synthesized in the body, and in fairly large quantities. At the same time, it does not accumulate in the organs, but is immediately spent on various needs.
What is succinic acid, what role does it play in metabolism and should it be taken in addition to the usual diet? What are the benefits of the drug and can it cause harm to health if used incorrectly? Let's figure it out.
What foods contain succinic acid?
First, let's find out which products contain succinic acid. Its sources are:
- The cheese contains succinic acid;
black bread; - dairy products;
- light grapes;
- aged wines;
- beer (brewer's yeast);
- seafood (in particular, shellfish);
- sauerkraut;
- cheeses;
- gooseberry;
- turnip;
- barley and sunflower seeds.
Under normal conditions, the synthesis of succinic acid in the body completely covers its needs. But with some diseases, increased physical activity, poor diet, premature aging processes and other stresses, a deficiency of this substance may occur.
What are the benefits of succinic acid for the body?
The body of a healthy person produces up to 300 grams of succinic acid per day. A significant amount of it comes from outside with vegetables and fruits, dairy products. What is succinic acid used for? It is involved in many metabolic processes associated with the consumption of oxygen by tissues and the production of intracellular energy. It also neutralizes free radicals formed in the body, which are factors of aging.
By normalizing metabolism, the drug increases the rate of breakdown of many toxic substances, has an antioxidant and antihypoxic effect, and protects cells from harmful decay products.
Succinic acid for humans is one of the means of improving metabolism, which in practice leads to the following beneficial effects:
- stimulation of the liver and kidneys, their effective counteraction to toxins;
- improved energy supply to the heart and, as a result, better blood supply to tissues;
- increasing immunity;
- additional supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
Modern researchers come to the conclusion that succinic acid is a good remedy for the prevention of cancer. Due to its effect on intracellular energy structures - mitochondria, the drug leads to a decrease in the growth of cancer cells. Also, many scientists believe that this substance is capable of restoring damaged cells and thereby rejuvenating them. In older people, taking the drug for 20 days improves well-being, normalizes blood pressure and heart function, and relieves insomnia.
Succinic acid in its pure form is a white powder with a lemon taste, highly soluble in water. It is produced in the form of tablets and is included in many medications in combination with other organic acids or enzymes. Salts of succinic acid are called succinates.
Beneficial properties of succinic acid and its effect on the body
Succinic acid helps increase the body's defenses, stimulating regeneration processes.
It lowers blood sugar levels to the required level. Succinic acid also restores the optimal acid-base balance in the body. That is why, with a sufficient level of succinic acid in the blood (about 40 µM), an increase in working capacity is observed, lightness and vigor are noted after sleep, the nervous system is strengthened, and stress resistance increases.
Thanks to succinic acid, brain function is restored, the body's endurance increases, and male potential grows. Accelerating metabolism and cleansing the body of toxins also occurs thanks to succinic acid. In addition, it helps reduce excess weight.
Interaction with other elements
Succinic acid interacts well with other organic acids, such as malic, pyruvic and acetic acid. In addition, it has the ability to convert to malic acid and vice versa. Vitamins and microelements enhance the effect of succinic acid on the body and bring additional benefits to the body.
Signs of a lack of succinic acid in the body
- decreased immunity;
- constant fatigue and weakness;
- the appearance of skin rashes;
- excess weight;
- low brain activity.
Signs of excess succinic acid in the body
- disorders of the digestive system;
- discomfort in the kidney area;
- increased sensitivity of tooth enamel.
Factors influencing the content of succinic acid in the body:
During inflammatory processes, there is a sharp decrease in the amount of free acid present in the body. Also, the acid content is affected by diet. Eating alkalizing foods leads to the formation of succinic acid salts, which increases its content in the body.
Succinic acid and health
It’s good when all organs work harmoniously and the body produces a sufficient amount of the substances it needs. But this, unfortunately, does not always happen. Due to various health problems, succinic acid in the body may be produced in insufficient quantities.
In this case, various dietary supplements containing succinic acid and medications sold in pharmacies come to the rescue. If your doctor agrees and you are experiencing symptoms of acid deficiency in your body, you can begin a course of treatment.
Usually, after completing a course of succinic acid therapy, the condition of the skin improves, the whole body is cleansed with a gradual loss of extra pounds. Increases energy and improves work capacity and endurance.
Attention! The information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to make a diagnosis or prescribe treatment. Always consult a specialized doctor!
Tatyana Eliseeva chief editor of the Food+ project
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Indications for use of succinic acid
The use of succinic acid in medicine is quite widespread. Here are the indications for taking the pure substance in tablets.
- Complex therapy for external and internal poisoning of various causes.
- Complex treatment of infectious diseases.
- Reducing the negative effects of drugs on the liver and kidneys during long-term use of drugs (antibiotics and others).
For these purposes, it is prescribed to be taken after meals, 1 tablet three times a day.
The drug is also used in other situations.
- Increased physical activity.
- Alcohol poisoning of the body.
- Heart failure.
- Allergy.
- Brain stimulation.
- Stressful conditions that cause fatigue or drowsiness.
How to take succinic acid for a hangover: an hour before the feast, 100 mg, after 2-3 hours another 100 mg. Next, take tablets every hour, but not more than 600 mg (6 tablets) per day. If you need to relieve a morning hangover, then drink 2-3 tablets at once, then two hours later another one, and then every hour until the symptoms disappear.
Instructions for use
The annotation states that Succinic Acid must be taken before meals; the tablets must be dissolved in mineral water or juice.
Adults can take from 0.5 to 3 tablets per day. The duration of therapy is equal to 1 month.
To prevent poisoning by ethanol breakdown products, it is necessary to consume 0.25 g of succinic acid 30 minutes before drinking alcohol.
To improve appetite, take 0.25 g of the substance 1-3 times a day before meals.
For cancer patients, 2-3 tablets of 0.1g are prescribed. If the need arises, the dosage is increased to 20 pieces per day.
Can pregnant women take the drug?
Taking succinic acid during pregnancy promotes proper restructuring of the body and improves immunity to infectious diseases. The drug has a beneficial effect on the developing fetus, improves blood supply, eliminates oxygen starvation and protects the baby and mother from various toxins.
Studies have shown that taking the drug during pregnancy reduces the risk of developing gestosis, minimizes complications during childbirth, promotes rapid recovery of the mother and increases the amount of milk.
Succinic acid in sports
Succinic acid is indicated for athletes as a means of increasing immunity, which suffers during significant physical exertion. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart, providing it with the necessary energy and oxygen. Since succinic acid is a natural stimulant of metabolic processes, is produced in the body and is not able to accumulate in organs and tissues, no side effects from its use are observed.
The reception schedule for athletes is as follows:
- 500 mg once a day in the morning after meals;
- after improvement of the condition, reduce the dose to 100–250 mg per day, which can be divided into 2–3 doses.
Often athletes set an individual dose based on how they feel. When consuming an increased amount of succinic acid (1500–3000 mg), the period of taking the drug should not exceed 10 days.
Increased doses can be taken in courses: drink for three days, then take a break for two days, and so on.
Advantages
The benefits of succinic acid for the body are invaluable. Among the most obvious positive properties it is worth noting:
- Stimulating the nervous system. As a result, a person becomes more resistant to stress.
- Natural rejuvenation. The aging processes of the skin and internal structures are greatly slowed down. It’s not for nothing that succinic acid is added to many cosmetic products: creams, masks, serums.
- Natural stimulation of brain activity. With a normal level of the useful substance in the body, a person feels much more energetic, which makes him more efficient - there is a desire and opportunity to perform tasks of increased complexity.
- Restoring muscle tone. This is the most important property of the substance for people who constantly play sports, for example, attend stretching or are involved in strength disciplines.
- Reducing the load on the liver and kidneys, which is important when their work is intense, for example, in the presence of any disease.
- Improving the quality of the endocrine system.
- Accelerating the process of formation of cells of the immune system - increasing the body's resistance to various viruses and other negative external factors.
- Improvement of the thyroid gland.
- Strengthening the effect of medications and vitamin complexes taken. At the same time, the toxicity of some potent drugs is reduced.
- Powerful energy supply to the body, which also has a positive effect on performance.
- Improving cellular regeneration processes - rapid restoration of integument.
- Excellent neutralization of the negative effects of alcohol and other toxins contained in the blood. Succinic acid perfectly helps with hangovers, as well as serious poisoning.
- Improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system. This useful substance is often prescribed to people with defects and other diseases associated with the main organ.
Succinic acid in cosmetology
The regenerating and rejuvenating properties of succinic acid are used in cosmetology. It is widely used in procedures such as peeling, masks and massage. Use pure substance in powder form. Face masks with succinic acid have a rejuvenating effect, cleanse the skin and never cause allergies. This drug is also included in various creams and cosmetic milk.
For hair, succinic acid is used in the form of masks or shampoo. The mask softens curls, gives them elasticity and firmness. You need to keep it on your hair for two hours. To get amber shampoo, simply add a few acid crystals to your regular shampoo and wash your hair. Regular use of such products improves hair growth and restores dull, damaged curls.
Succinic acid for weight loss
Succinic acid itself does not have a fat-burning effect. But reviews from those who are on a diet indicate that taking the drug significantly facilitates and accelerates the process of losing weight. Here are several reasons to use succinic acid during this difficult period for every woman:
- the drug relieves fatigue;
- improves kidney function, has a mild diuretic effect and reduces swelling;
- improves the absorption of nutrients and their processing into energy rather than fat;
- promotes good brain function and relieves nervous tension.
For those who have already lost weight, succinic acid will be useful if added to body cream. This balm increases skin firmness and elasticity and helps reduce stretch marks.
There are several schemes for taking succinic acid for weight loss.
- For two weeks, three tablets three times a day. Then take a week break and repeat the course.
- Monthly course. For a month, drink a solution of succinic acid daily - 1 gram of the drug per glass of water. You should drink the mixture through a straw so as not to destroy tooth enamel, and rinse your mouth after taking it.
- Long-term use. For a month they take three tablets a day, in cycles of 3/1 - they take the drug for three days, then a day off.
With long-term use, you need to focus on your feelings and adjust the dosage as necessary.
Contraindications to taking Succinic acid
Succinates are natural substances for the body, so taking them even for a long time does not cause negative effects or addiction.
However, Succinic acid tablets, like many drugs, have a number of contraindications:
- glaucoma
- gestosis in pregnant women (particularly severe form)
- high blood pressure
- urolithiasis (taking UC provokes the rapid formation of stones)
- gastritis with hypersecretion
- exacerbation of peptic ulcer
Succinic acid tablets should not be taken in the evening, as they have the opposite effect of tranquilizers and sedatives. The drug starts the work of the brain.
