Malate, Magnesium, and Longevity

Malate is a naturally occurring compound found in apples and produced within the body as part of cellular energy metabolism. It serves as a key fuel for mitochondria—the energy-producing powerhouses of our cells. Research shows that malate can extend lifespan in simple organisms, improve mitochondrial efficiency, and enhance antioxidant defenses by increasing enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Malate may also support physical energy and reduce fatigue. It is often combined with magnesium, a vital mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic processes, including DNA repair, inflammation regulation, and neuromuscular relaxation. Together, malate and magnesium support energy, genomic stability, and healthy aging at the cellular level.

This Article Covers:

• What is Malate? 
• What Are The Benefits Of Malate?
• What Are The Benefits Of Magnesium? 
• Why Are Malate and Magnesium Included in NOVOS Core?

Key Takeaways

✔ Malate is a naturally occurring compound found in apples and produced in the body.

✔ Acts as a key fuel source for mitochondria, the cell’s energy powerhouses.

✔ Shown to extend lifespan in simple organisms by improving mitochondrial function.

✔ Enhances energy production and may reduce fatigue, especially with age.

✔ Increases antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.

✔ Often combined with magnesium for synergistic anti-aging effects.

✔ Magnesium supports DNA repair and genome stability.

✔ Helps regulate chronic inflammation (inflammaging) and cellular stress.

✔ Magnesium improves sleep, relaxation, and neuromuscular function.

What Is Malate?

Malate is a naturally occurring molecule found in both plants and the human body. It’s an important substance used by our mitochondria, the power plants of our cells.  Mitochondria convert sugars, fats and amino-acids into energy (ATP). This energy enables our cells to function. During this energy production process, malate is created. Malate derives its name from Latin: “malus” means apple.  This is because malate is present in high concentrations in apples, especially in sour apples. Malate contributes to the characteristic tartness of sour apples. It’s also present in rhubarb and grapes.

What Are The Benefits Of Malate?

How Does Malate Consumption Extend Lifespan? 

Malate has been shown to extend lifespan: 

• Enhances Mitochondrial Functioning 
• Boosts Energy Production 
• Increases Antioxidant Enzyme Functionality 

^{C elegans given malate (red) live longer than controls (black). Source: Malate and Fumarate Extend Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLOS ONE} 

Malate has been shown to extend lifespan in simple organisms (R,R), by improving mitochondrial function. Malate also improves energy production in the mitochondria. It helps to generate ATP, the energy molecule that is the universal fuel for all our cells. Studies show that administering malate to aged rats improves their performance (R).

Malate can also improve antioxidant function in aged rats, by increasing levels of key antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (R,R). Additionally, malate is often used in combination with magnesium to bring about health benefits, especially for improving energy and reducing fatigue.

What Is Magnesium?

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in hundreds of biological processes. Magnesium functions as a cofactor to hundreds of different enzymes, which need magnesium to function properly. It also helps regulate cellular activity, including the excitation and inhibition of nerve and muscle cells, and plays an important role in muscle relaxation, including of the heart muscle. Given the role of magnesium in a myriad of cellular processes, it should not be surprising that magnesium deficiency leads to accelerated aging (R). There are many ways in which magnesium deficiency can lead to accelerated aging. 

How Does Magnesium Repair DNA?

Magnesium has been shown to preserve DNA: 

• Reduces DNA damage 
• Stabilizes The Genome 
• Reduces Inflammaging 
• Reduces Telomere Shortening 

Magnesium reduces DNA damage and stabilizes the genome (R,R). For example, magnesium binds to DNA, helping to stabilize its structure, and it is also an essential cofactor for DNA repair proteins which need magnesium to function properly (R). 
Magnesium can reduce inflammaging (low-grade inflammation that increases during aging). Low levels of magnesium have been linked to chronic low-grade inflammation, which is one of the drivers of aging (R).

What Are The Physiological Benefits Of Magnesium?

Magnesium has shown physiological benefits: 

• Improves physical performance 
• Improves Sleep 
• Enhances relaxation and Wellbeing 

Besides magnesium’s many effects on maintaining our cells, the mineral has various immediately noticeable effects. Athletes often supplement with magnesium to support physical performance, even when they are not magnesium deficient (R). Magnesium supplementation also improves sleep, relaxation, and overall wellbeing. This is not surprising, given the important role of magnesium in the functioning of brain cells, such as excitation and neuronal metabolism. 

NOVOS CORE & Magnesium Malate Supplementation