Magnesium stearate is a common food additive used in the processing of powders. Magnesium stearate is commonly found as a filler in dietary supplements and in small amounts in other food products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers magnesium stearate to be safe as a food additive with no known health effect from dietary consumption. Concerns over the safety of magnesium stearate are used as a marketing strategy by companies selling magnesium stearate-free supplements.
Chemical Composition
Masnesium stearate is a salt composed of the mineral magnesium and the fatty acid stearic acid. Calcium or other minerals may also be combined with stearic acid for the same purpose. Stearates are made by hydrogenating oils from vegetable or animal sources. Although magnesium stearate is not soluble in water, it is easily broken down into magnesium and stearic acid in the digestive system, especially when taken with food.
Uses
Stearates are used in the processing of finely powdered materials in the food and drug industries. Many medicines, herbal supplements and sugar would stick to processing equipment if stearates were not present as lubricants. Stearates may also be added to powdered foods to prevent clumping. Stearates are also used in compressed pills as binders.
Safety
The FDA considers magnesium stearate and other magnesium-containing compounds generally safe. Magnesium is an mineral essential for proper metabolism and brain function. Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in many foods with no known health effects. The FDA considers magnesium stearate safe when taken up to 2,500 mg per day, an amount much greater than you would normally consume.
Purported Health Concerns
Some sources, mostly natural supplement companies promoting their own products, have claimed that magnesium stearate is a dangerous additive. These sources have claimed that magnesium stearate is contaminated with pesticides and toxic to the body, that it suppresses the immune system and is an allergic. These statements have no scientific evidence to support them.
Choosing Supplements
Vegans and vegetarians should look for supplements stating that they contain vegetable stearates, as some magnesium stearate may be derived from animal fats. Always be sure to purchase nutritional supplements from a reliable source. Look for companies that have been certified GMP, as having good manufacturing practices.
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