Magnesium Stearate

Magnesium Stearate: Understanding its Importance in Supplements

Magnesium stearate is a commonly used ingredient in many dietary supplements, but what exactly is it and why is it added to these products? In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and concerns surrounding magnesium stearate and how it affects the effectiveness of supplements.

What is Magnesium Stearate?

Magnesium stearate is a compound made from magnesium and stearic acid, a type of saturated fatty acid. It is a white, powdery substance that is used as a lubricant in the manufacture of dietary supplements.

Why is Magnesium Stearate Added to Supplements?

Magnesium stearate is added to supplements for several reasons, including:

• To aid in the manufacturing process: Magnesium stearate acts as a lubricant during the manufacture of supplements, making it easier to press the ingredients into tablet or capsule form. This helps prevent the ingredients from sticking to the manufacturing equipment, ensuring a consistent and accurate product.

• To improve product stability: Magnesium stearate helps to prevent the ingredients in supplements from breaking down and losing their effectiveness. This is particularly important for ingredients that are sensitive to moisture and heat.

• To improve product consistency: Magnesium stearate helps to ensure that every tablet or capsule of the supplement has the same amount of active ingredients, making the product more consistent and reliable.

Concerns Surrounding Magnesium Stearate

While magnesium stearate is widely used in the supplement industry, some people are concerned about its potential health effects. These concerns stem from the fact that stearic acid can be difficult for the body to digest, and some studies have suggested that high levels of stearic acid in the diet may increase the risk of heart disease.

However, it is important to note that these concerns are largely unfounded. The amount of magnesium stearate used in dietary supplements is small, and the body can easily break down and eliminate it. Additionally, the studies linking stearic acid to heart disease have focused on large amounts of stearic acid consumed in the diet, not the small amounts found in dietary supplements.

Final Thoughts

Magnesium stearate is a commonly used ingredient in dietary supplements that helps to improve the manufacturing process, product stability, and consistency. While there are some concerns surrounding its potential health effects, these concerns are largely unfounded, and the small amount of magnesium stearate used in supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. If you have concerns about magnesium stearate or any other ingredient in your dietary supplement, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider. 

Other Minerals

• Activated Charcoal
• Boron nitride
• Calcium carbonate
• Iron Oxides
• Magnesium Myristate
• Sericite Mica
• Silica Dimethyl Silylate
• Silica Microspheres
• Silicone Elastomer (Dimethyl Siloxane Elastomer, Fumed Silica)
• Ultramarines
• Zinc Oxide