Succinate
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Succinate (Succinic Acid) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 165 participants, researched for Energy Metabolism, Exercise Recovery & Antioxidant.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Energy Metabolism
ModerateExercise Recovery & Antioxidant
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Energy Metabolism
To review succinate (succinic acid) role in cellular energy metabolism and signalling
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review succinate (succinic acid) role in cellular energy metabolism and signalling
Dose
Various
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
Succinate is a key Krebs cycle intermediate with roles in energy metabolism, HIF-1alpha stabilization, immune signalling, and gut microbiome modulation. Multiple therapeutic applications identified.
How They Measured It
Comprehensive review of biochemical and physiological evidence
To assess amber acid (succinate) supplementation on exercise tolerance and recovery
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess amber acid (succinate) supplementation on exercise tolerance and recovery
Dose
3 g/day sodium succinate
Participants
45 athletes undergoing intensive training
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Succinate supplementation significantly improved exercise tolerance, reduced post-exercise lactate accumulation, and shortened recovery time in trained athletes.
How They Measured It
Exercise time, lactate levels, recovery time, perceived exertion
To investigate succinate on mitochondrial respiration and cellular ATP production
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate succinate on mitochondrial respiration and cellular ATP production
Dose
Various succinate concentrations
Participants
Isolated rat mitochondria
Duration
N/A
Results
Succinate as Complex II substrate significantly enhanced mitochondrial respiration rates and ATP production, supporting metabolic energy demands in oxidative tissues. PMID: 9681241
How They Measured It
Mitochondrial respiration rates, Complex II activity, ATP production
Exercise Recovery & Antioxidant
To evaluate succinate-containing supplements on muscle damage markers post-exercise
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate succinate-containing supplements on muscle damage markers post-exercise
Dose
1.5 g/day amber acid complex
Participants
40 physically active adults
Duration
4 weeks training
Results
Succinate supplementation significantly reduced CK and LDH muscle damage markers and improved antioxidant capacity following intense exercise. PMID: 16621833
How They Measured It
CK, LDH, DOMS score, antioxidant capacity
To investigate succinate on ischemia-reperfusion injury and tissue protection
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate succinate on ischemia-reperfusion injury and tissue protection
Dose
100 mg/kg succinate
Participants
Rats with cardiac ischemia
Duration
Acute
Results
Succinate administration reduced ischemia-reperfusion injury by restoring mitochondrial Complex II activity and reducing oxidative burst post-reperfusion.
How They Measured It
Cardiac and kidney injury markers, oxidative stress
To investigate succinate receptor (SUCNR1/GPR91) signalling in immune cells
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To investigate succinate receptor (SUCNR1/GPR91) signalling in immune cells
Dose
Various concentrations
Participants
Macrophage and dendritic cell cultures
Duration
N/A
Results
Extracellular succinate activates GPR91 receptor, functioning as a danger signal that activates dendritic cells and macrophages. Dual role as metabolite and immune signalling molecule identified. PMID: 18288120
How They Measured It
Immune cell activation, cytokine production, inflammatory signalling
To evaluate succinate in improving fatigue and quality of life in chronic fatigue states
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate succinate in improving fatigue and quality of life in chronic fatigue states
Dose
3 g/day succinic acid complex
Participants
80 patients with chronic fatigue
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Succinate supplementation significantly reduced fatigue scores, improved energy, and enhanced quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome-like presentations.
How They Measured It
Fatigue questionnaire, VAS energy, quality of life scales
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Succinate research
There are currently 7 peer-reviewed studies on Succinate (Succinic Acid), involving 165 total participants. Research covers Energy metabolism, Exercise recovery, Antioxidant. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (3 human studies, 2 animal studies), and reported outcomes.
Succinate has been researched for: Energy metabolism, Exercise recovery, Antioxidant. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 3 out of 7 studies are human trials. The remaining 2 are animal studies. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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