You may see magnesium stearate listed on many product labels in your home. It is a chemical substance derived from animal or vegetable fat that has been hydrogenated and processed. It is solid at room temperature and used in a powder form. The melting point is 190 degrees F. Alternate names are octadecanoic acid and magnesium salt. Magnesium stearate is used in many pharmaceutical, vitamin, food, cosmetic and household products, as well as for industrial purposes.
Pharmaceutical
Magnesium stearate is used to prevent separation or caking of ingredients. In the pharmaceutical industry, an important function is to keep the contents of a capsule from sticking to the inside of the capsules, as well as prevent capsules and tablets from sticking to the processing machinery. Only a very small amount is used. There is some evidence reported by Stan M. Gardner, M.D., that magnesium stearate may slow the release of some medications. This has not been found to interfere with the medicinal action or bioavailability.
Vitamins
There has been controversy about the use of magnesium stearate in vitamins. The FDA lists it as GRAS, generally regarded as safe. The function of Magnesium Stearate in vitamins is the same as in pharmaceuticals; it is added to prevent clumping and sticking. It is not intended to be used as a source of the vital element magnesium. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, the source of the magnesium stearate may be a concern. Check with the manufacturer to determine whether vitamins are made using magnesium stearate from vegetable products, commonly palm oil or cottonseed oil. Calcium stearate is used in some products as a substitute for magnesium stearate.
Foods, Cosmetics and Household Products
Magnesium stearate is used as a binder or emulsifier in food products. It's commonly used in candy making. In food products, it isn't used alone, but in combination with other additives. It binds ingredients together and also prevents the separation of ingredients. Small amounts may be used in infant formulas. Many cosmetics list magnesium stearate as an ingredient, where again it serves to prevent separation of ingredients. It acts as a lubricant, and may also be added for that function in cosmetics. In baby powders, it may be added to cornstarch instead of talc.In many household products, it is added to prevent caking.
Industrial Use
There are two grades of magnesium stearate. The pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic grade, and industrial grade. Industrial magnesium stearate is less pure and used in larger quantities than the food grade. It functions as an ingredient, lubricant and binder in many products. Because of the larger quantities used, it is often purchased in bulk for manufacturing, and there are some risks involved with its use. The Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS, warns of possible health hazards from ingesting or inhaling large quantities of magnesium stearate. It is a combustible substance. The products of combustion are carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
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