- Magnesium stearate, a common additive found in various food and pharmaceutical products, often raises questions regarding its vegan status.
- Magnesium stearate is produced by the reaction of sodium stearate with magnesium salts or by treating magnesium oxide with stearic acid.[1][2].
- Preparation of Magnesium stearate: It can be obtained by magnesium sulfate and sodium stearate which is prepared by sodium hydroxide and stearic acid.
- Because magnesium stearate is in so many supplements, if you are taking a variety containing this excipient, it may pose a risk to your health.
- Magnesium stearate is a solid substance that comes in powder and granule form. Magnesium stearate's white and has a slight fatty acid odor.
- Magnesium stearate is generally safe to consume, but too much of it can have a laxative effect. In large amounts, it can irritate the mucus lining of the bowels.
- Magnesium stearate, also known as octadecanoic acid, exists as a salt containing two stearate anions and a magnesium cation.
- Magnesium stearate is a magnesium salt of stearic acid. Essentially, it’s a compound containing two stearic acids and magnesium.
- The sodium stearate used in the production of magnesium stearate may either be derived from plant-based or animal-based sources.
- Health conscious people who know about the use of magnesium stearate in supplements and pills often raise the question, ‘Is magnesium stearate safe?’.