Disodium Succinate
Also known as: Disodium succinate, sodium succinate, succinate salt
Overview
Disodium succinate is the disodium salt of succinic acid, a naturally occurring intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle. This cycle is fundamental to cellular energy metabolism, occurring within the mitochondria. Succinate is found in various foods and is produced endogenously in the body. As a dietary supplement, disodium succinate is marketed to support mitochondrial function, enhance energy metabolism, and potentially alleviate symptoms associated with metabolic dysfunction or oxidative stress. It provides succinate ions that can directly enter the TCA cycle to facilitate ATP production, especially when mitochondrial function is compromised. While early-stage clinical research, including some randomized controlled trials, suggests potential benefits, particularly for menopausal symptom relief when used as part of a succinate-based supplement, the overall evidence for disodium succinate as a standalone supplement is limited. Most studies involve succinate in combination with other compounds or in experimental models.
Benefits
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that a succinate-based dietary supplement containing calcium disuccinate and ammonium succinate significantly alleviated menopausal symptoms over 90 days. This study, involving at least 30 participants per group, showed improvements in 16 out of 21 symptoms measured by the Greene Climacteric Scale (p ≤ 0.05). This suggests a strong potential benefit for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. In vitro studies have also indicated that succinate supplementation can improve mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in glial cells under metabolic stress, hinting at potential benefits in conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). While direct clinical evidence in humans for these secondary effects is sparse, the mechanism supports potential antioxidant effects and general metabolic support. The clinical significance of the menopausal symptom relief was statistically significant, though detailed effect size metrics were not provided in the summary. The observed benefits in the menopausal study occurred over a 90-day supplementation period.
How it works
Disodium succinate functions by providing succinate ions, which are crucial intermediates in the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Once absorbed, succinate enters the mitochondria and is oxidized by succinate dehydrogenase (Complex II of the electron transport chain). This process directly contributes to the generation of ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell. By supporting this key step in cellular respiration, disodium succinate can enhance overall cellular energy metabolism, particularly under conditions where mitochondrial function might be impaired. This improved mitochondrial function may also indirectly reduce oxidative stress. Oral succinate salts are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, but detailed human pharmacokinetic data are not extensively characterized.
Side effects
Disodium succinate appears to be generally well tolerated in clinical studies. No significant adverse events were reported in a 90-day randomized controlled trial investigating a succinate-based supplement for menopausal symptoms. There are no documented common (>5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (<1%) side effects specifically attributed to disodium succinate in the available research. Similarly, no specific drug interactions or contraindications have been established due to the limited research. However, caution is advised due to this lack of comprehensive data. The safety of disodium succinate in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women, children, or individuals with severe metabolic disorders, has not been established and therefore its use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for disodium succinate is not well established due to limited research. In the primary clinical study demonstrating benefits for menopausal symptoms, the succinate-based dietary supplement contained 200 mg of ammonium succinate plus 200 mg of calcium disuccinate daily. This suggests a total succinate dose in the range of 400 mg, although the exact contribution of disodium succinate specifically is not isolated. The supplement was administered once daily, typically with breakfast. The maximum safe dose for disodium succinate has not been determined. The form used in the clinical trial was a capsule, with ingredients separated for stability. While specific absorption factors are not detailed, co-ingestion with food was part of the clinical trial protocol. No specific cofactors are known to be required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is disodium succinate safe for long-term use?
Limited data exist; short-term use (90 days) in clinical trials has shown no reported adverse events, suggesting it appears safe for this duration. Long-term safety is not yet established.
Does it improve energy levels?
Theoretically, it supports mitochondrial energy metabolism. However, direct clinical evidence for significant energy enhancement in healthy individuals is currently lacking.
Can it be used alone or only in combination?
Most clinical evidence involves succinate as part of a combination supplement. Robust clinical data for isolated disodium succinate supplementation are currently limited.
Is it effective for menopausal symptoms?
Yes, one randomized controlled trial showed that a succinate-based supplement, including disodium succinate, significantly relieved menopausal symptoms compared to placebo.
Are there any known drug interactions?
No specific drug interactions have been documented for disodium succinate, but data are limited, so caution is advised.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6875258/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated a succinate-based dietary supplement (containing calcium disuccinate and ammonium succinate) in menopausal women. Over 90 days, the supplement significantly alleviated 16 of 21 menopausal symptoms measured by the Greene Climacteric Scale (p ≤ 0.05) with no reported adverse events. The study suggests the potential of succinate for menopausal symptom relief, though it involved a multi-ingredient formulation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5430749/ – This in vitro study on primary mixed glial cultures demonstrated that succinate supplementation could partially reverse metabolic deficits caused by mitochondrial complex I inhibition. It improved oxidative metabolism markers, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for succinate in conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction, such as traumatic brain injury. This preclinical research provides mechanistic support but requires human clinical translation.
- https://www.scholars.northwestern.edu/en/publications/succinate-based-dietary-supplement-for-menopausal-symptoms-a-pool – This publication likely refers to the same randomized controlled trial as the first source, detailing the findings that a succinate-based dietary supplement effectively reduced menopausal symptoms. It reinforces the evidence for the efficacy of succinate in this context, highlighting the statistical significance of symptom improvement.