Magnesium stearate sources, health risks

Magnesium stearate is a fine white-colored powder that sticks to the skin and is greasy when touched. It is a simple salt made up of two substances — stearic acid and the mineral magnesium. Stearic acid, a saturated fat can be found in foods, such as chicken, eggs, cheese, chocolate, walnuts, salmon, cotton seed oil, palm oil, and coconut oil.

Magnesium stearate is usually added to various foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic products. When used in medications and vitamins, its main purpose is to function as a lubricant. It is used in medication capsules and is considered as the flow agent. It stops the individual ingredients in a capsule from sticking to one another. It helps in improving the consistency and quality control of capsules of the medicines. It is also used to delay the breaking down and absorbing of medications.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has approved the usage of magnesium stearate as an additive in food and supplements.

Harmful effects that can be caused by magnesium stearate

Although considered by the FDA as safe, magnesium stearate has a few potential harmful effects. This compound is being labeled as a toxin because of its potential negative side effects. It is made by the hydrogenation of cottonseed or palm oil. Cottonseed oil contains the highest content of pesticide residues of all commercial oils. It also coats the nutrients that are found in supplements. As a result, this compound delays the absorption of nutrients by the intestines. Large amounts of magnesium stearate may damage the skin. In addition, this compound may also cause liver toxicity.

Body systems harmed by magnesium stearate

The body organs that can be harmed by magnesium stearate are limited because there is little to no information about the harmful effect of this compound. This compound is found in 95 percent of supplements that are being sold in the market today.

The main health concern in magnesium stearate usage is its toxicity, which is primarily because of the fact that magnesium salt is commonly isolated from hydrogenated cottonseed oil or palm oil, which are known for containing dangerous pesticides. It is considered dangerous as it may hinder the absorption of different kinds of essential nutrients needed by the body. In addition, this compound is also very hazardous because it represses the functioning of the immune system. Lastly, magnesium stearate may also be linked to specific types of inflammatory conditions.

Where to learn more

• Magnesium stearate: A harmful additive lurking in our health supplements
• Stop Using Magnesium Stearate… Go Organic!
• Msg.news
• Poison.news
• Chemicals.news

Summary

Magnesium stearate is a compound formed when stearic acid and magnesium ion combine. It acts as a lubricant and is commonly added to a variety of supplements for the vitamins to not stick to each other during manufacturing. It is made by the hydrogenation of cottonseed oil or palm oil, which contains high contents of pesticide residues. This compound is being labeled as a toxin because of its potential negative side effects in the body. Large amounts of magnesium stearate may cause damage the skin and may also cause liver toxicity. Furthermore, it may hinder the absorption of different kinds of essential nutrients that the body needs. It can also negatively affect the functioning of the immune system and it is also linked to certain types of inflammatory conditions.

Sources include:

HealthLine.com

LiveStrong.com

IC.SteadyHealth.com