E352 (Calcium malate) is a chemical compound, the calcium salt of malic acid.

It appears as a white powder, slightly soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol.

What it is used for and where

Food

Ingredient listed in the European food additives list as E352, buffering agent.  Its bitter taste is generally removed by ion exchange.

It is added in unfortified wines and champagnes.

It is subdivided into

• E352 (i) Monocalcium malate
• E352 (ii) Calcium malate

Medical

Source of bioavailable calcium. to improve bone strength without increasing the risk of kidney stones

Other uses

It is one of the most marketable feed additives used in aquaculture.

Safety

In 2007, EFSA's Panel on Food Additives concluded that the use of calcium citrate malate as a source of calcium for use in foods for particular nutritional uses (PARNUTS) and in foods for the general population (including food supplements) does not raise safety concerns at the maximum levels estimated in this opinion (1). 

• Molecular Formula   C₄H₄CaO₅
• Molecular Weight      172.15
• CAS  17482-42-7
• UNII    D48OP746DW
• EC Number   241-498-1
• DSSTox ID  DTXSID30936929
• IUPAC  calcium;2-hydroxybutanedioate
• InChl=1S/C4H6O5.Ca/c5-2(4(8)9)1-3(6)7;/h2,5H,1H2,(H,6,7)(H,8,9);/q;+2/p-2
• InChl Key      OLOZVPHKXALCRI-UHFFFAOYSA-L
• SMILES  C(C(C(=O)[O-])O)C(=O)[O-].[Ca+2]
• MDL number  MFCD00043793
• Nikkaji      J248.901E

Synonyms:

• calcium hydrogenmalate
• calcium 2-hydroxysuccinate

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (EFSA ANS Panel), Younes, M., Aggett, P., Aguilar, F., Crebelli, R., Dusemund, B., Filipič, M., Frutos, M.J., Galtier, P., Gundert‐Remy, U. and Kuhnle, G.G., 2018. Evaluation of di‐calcium malate, used as a novel food ingredient and as a source of calcium in foods for the general population, food supplements, total diet replacement for weight control and food for special medical purposes. EFSA Journal, 16(6), p.e05291.