Magnesium stearate: Everything you need to know

There are many myths surrounding magnesium stearate and its health contraindications. But what is true about these claims? Is magnesium stearate harmful? We tell you all about it in this new article on our blog! 

What is magnesium stearate?

Magnesium stearate is a mixture of magnesium salts derived from fatty acids such as stearic acid and palmitic acid, obtained from edible fats and oils. Although these salts contain magnesium, they cannot be considered a magnesium supplement, as the percentage they contain is minimal. 

We can identify this additive on the labels of food supplements under the name ‘magnesium stearate’, but also as ‘magnesium salts of fatty acids’ or under the code ‘E-470b’. 

It appears as a fine white powder, similar to chalk, with a greasy texture and is practically insoluble in water.

Uses of magnesium stearate

In the food and food supplement industry, the main function of magnesium stearate is as an anticaking agent. This additive prevents the powder particles in a food product from sticking together, ensuring greater product quality, stability, and ease of handling.

For example, in some food supplements, magnesium stearate achieves the following:

• Maintain uniformity.This component prevents capsules, powders, and other supplement formats from clumping, even in humid environments.
• Improve preservation. It protects the properties of the active ingredients by preventing them from compacting or deteriorating.
• Facilitate the manufacturing process. It allows different supplement formats to be formed uniformly and in the appropriate proportions. 

In addition to being an anticaking agent, this component can also act as emulsifier. This means that it is useful for mixing immiscible ingredients such as oil and water in foods like sweets, chewing gum, or baked goods.

Is magnesium stearate safe?

Let's get to the heart of the matter. Despite the unfounded myths, the safety of magnesium stearate is an issue that has been evaluated and confirmed by leading food safety organizations such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

• EFSA (2018). In its most recent report, EFSA concluded that magnesium stearate does not pose a health risk at the reported levels of use. This compound dissociates in the gastrointestinal tract, releasing magnesium and fatty acids, both essential nutrients in the diet.
• FDA. Classifies magnesium stearate as a GRAS substance, completely safe, especially when consumed in the minimal quantities found in some food supplements. 

Many of the myths surrounding the chemistry of food additives are based on an unfounded fear of the “artificial” or “chemical,” without distinguishing between safe compounds and those that could actually pose a risk. However, we can conclude that there is no scientific evidence linking this additive to genotoxic risks, chronic toxicity, or adverse effects on reproduction or development.

Furthermore, no recommended daily intake has even been established, since the amounts used in foods and supplements are extremely low, ranging from 0.05% to 3%.

Conclusion

Magnesium stearate has been unfairly labeled as harmful to cells and the immune system. However, as we have seen in this article, it is a regulated compound, evaluated and regulated, which guarantees its complete safety as an additive in supplements and healthy eating. 

At MASmúsculo, we work to offer you the highest quality, efficacy, and safety. Therefore, all our products, including those containing this compound, comply with European food safety regulations. 

So, when you choose your supplements, remember that behind each of our products there is science, regulation, and a commitment to your well-being.