Compound Ammonium Succinate
Also known as: Compound ammonium succinate, ammonium salt of succinic acid, C4H4O4·2NH4, Ammonium succinate
Overview
Ammonium succinate is the ammonium salt of succinic acid, a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid crucial for cellular energy metabolism as a key intermediate in the Krebs (citric acid) cycle. It is utilized as a dietary supplement ingredient, frequently in conjunction with other compounds, primarily to address menopausal symptoms and support mitochondrial function. Its characteristics include its role as a metabolic intermediate and its potential antioxidant properties. While research on ammonium succinate as a standalone supplement is still emerging, some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated its efficacy, particularly for menopausal symptom relief. The current evidence base is limited but growing, suggesting a promising role in supporting women's health during menopause.
Benefits
Ammonium succinate, particularly as part of a multi-ingredient supplement, has shown promising benefits for menopausal symptom relief. A 3-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 125 peri- and postmenopausal women (aged 42-60) demonstrated significant relief in 13 out of 21 mild to moderate menopausal symptoms, including vasomotor and psychosomatic symptoms, as measured by the Greene Climacteric Scale (p < 0.05). The same study reported improvements in psychological state, such as reduced anxiety and increased stress resistance, and favorable changes in body weight, waist circumference, and hormone levels (estradiol, gonadotropins, leptin). These benefits were observed over a 90-day supplementation period. The supplement was well tolerated with no significant adverse effects reported. While the exact effect sizes were not fully detailed, the statistically significant improvements suggest meaningful clinical relevance for women experiencing climacteric symptoms.
How it works
Ammonium succinate is believed to exert its effects primarily by supporting mitochondrial function. As a substrate in the Krebs cycle, it can potentially enhance cellular energy metabolism and reduce oxidative stress. It may also act as an antioxidant, although its direct molecular targets in humans require further elucidation. The observed modulation of hormone levels, such as estradiol and gonadotropins, and metabolic markers like leptin, suggests that ammonium succinate has systemic metabolic effects beyond direct mitochondrial support. While the precise mechanisms are still being investigated, its involvement in fundamental metabolic pathways underpins its potential therapeutic actions.
Side effects
Ammonium succinate, when used as part of a multi-ingredient supplement in clinical trials, has demonstrated a good safety profile. No significant adverse effects were reported in randomized controlled trials lasting up to 90 days. Common side effects (occurring in >5% of participants) were not documented in the cited research. Similarly, uncommon or rare side effects (occurring in <5% of participants) were not observed or reported. There have been no significant drug interactions or contraindications identified in the clinical studies reviewed. While the research primarily focuses on menopausal women, extensive studies on other specific populations are limited. Overall, the available evidence suggests that ammonium succinate is well-tolerated and safe for short-term use in the studied population.
Dosage
In the primary randomized controlled trial, the recommended dosage of ammonium succinate was 200 mg once daily. This dose was administered as part of a multi-ingredient supplement capsule. The optimal dosing beyond this specific regimen has not been definitively established due to the limited scope of current research. It is typically recommended to take the supplement with a meal, often breakfast, to potentially enhance absorption or minimize gastrointestinal upset. No specific absorption enhancers or cofactors were indicated as necessary for its efficacy in the studies. It is important to note that this dosage was effective within a multi-ingredient formulation, and the efficacy of ammonium succinate as a standalone compound at this dose is not yet confirmed.
FAQs
Is ammonium succinate safe for menopausal symptom relief?
Yes, clinical trials indicate that ammonium succinate, as part of a multi-ingredient supplement, is safe and well-tolerated over a 3-month period for menopausal symptom relief.
How quickly can benefits be expected?
Symptom improvements were observed over a 90-day supplementation period in clinical studies, suggesting that benefits accrue over several weeks of consistent use.
Is ammonium succinate effective alone or only in combination?
Current evidence for ammonium succinate's efficacy comes from studies where it was part of a multi-ingredient supplement; its isolated efficacy has not yet been established.
Does it affect hormone levels?
Yes, studies showed that supplementation with ammonium succinate-containing products correlated with modulation of estradiol and gonadotropin levels, which aligned with observed symptom relief.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6875258/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial confirmed the safety and efficacy of a succinate-based supplement, including ammonium succinate, for alleviating menopausal symptoms. The study supported previous findings regarding its beneficial effects on climacteric symptoms and overall well-being in menopausal women.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27759458/ – This high-quality randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Radzinskii et al., 2016) demonstrated that a succinate-based supplement containing ammonium succinate significantly improved 13 out of 21 menopausal symptoms, psychological state, and favorably modulated hormone levels in 125 peri- and postmenopausal women over 90 days, with no reported adverse effects.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/mp2010136 – This systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction in various disease states, providing a strong biological rationale for the potential benefits of succinate supplementation. While not specific to ammonium succinate or menopause, it supports the underlying mechanism of action related to energy metabolism.
