Magnesium stearate, or octadecanoic acid, is a chemical compound containing the mineral magnesium with stearic acid and salt. Magnesium stearate is most commonly used as a lubricant for nutritional supplement tablets for easier digestion and absorption of the active ingredients contained within them. According to the Food and Drug Administration, magnesium stearate is generally recognized as safe, or GRAS. However, several side effects have been identified. Consult your physician before using any nutritional supplements that may contain magnesium stearate.
Digestive Effects
Some individuals may have difficulty processing and absorbing magnesium stearate in their digestive tract, leading to mild yet painful digestive side effects. The most common digestive side effects related to magnesium stearate ingestion are upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and headache. These effects are typically only observed when very high doses of magnesium stearate are absorbed, which is difficult to obtain considering only very small amounts are used in the coating of nutritional supplement pills.
Immune Response
High doses of magnesium stearate may have adverse effects on the functioning of your immune system. Magnesium stearate supplementation may hinder the normal functioning of T cells, which are important to your body's immune system and work in your body to remove potentially harmful toxins and chemicals from your bloodstream. High doses of magnesium stearate over a prolonged period of time act as an immunosuppressor, systematically weakening your immune system over time, which may leave you more susceptible to illness and disease.
Absorption
Magnesium stearate may interfere with the normal absorption of other vitamins and minerals that are essential to health. Magnesium and sodium, two components of magnesium stearate, fiercely compete with other nutrients for cellular receptors that line your digestive tract. High amounts of these two minerals in your digestive system at the same time may reduce your body's ability to absorb other vitamins and minerals that are important for normal body functioning and may lead to a nutrient deficiency.
Allergic Reaction
Although rare, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to high amounts of magnesium stearate. An allergic reaction occurs when your body senses a potential threat, and treats magnesium stearate as a toxin, stimulating a rapid release of histamine as a response. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to magnesium stearate include the appearance of hives or a rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face and throat, and an increased heart rate.
References
- "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs"; Nicola Reavley; 1999
- FDA; Magnesium Stearate; 1979
- "Nutritional Supplements in Sports and Exercise"; Mike Greenwood, et al.; 2010
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