Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium stearate is a fine white powder that is used as an additive in medication capsules and supplements. It is a simple salt made up of two substances, a saturated fat and magnesium. Magnesium stearate is considered a “flow agent” because it prevents the individual ingredients in a capsule from sticking to each other and the machine that creates the capsules. It helps improve the consistency and quality control of medication.
Some people have claimed that magnesium stearate might interfere with the body’s ability to absorb the contents of medication capsules, but there is no scientific evidence to support those claims. Capsule and medication manufacturers typically use only small amounts of magnesium stearate in their products, so when taken at the recommended dose, they don’t contain enough magnesium stearate to cause negative side effects. Magnesium stearate is generally safe to consume, but too much of it can have a laxative effect and irritate the mucus lining of the bowels, which may trigger a bowel movement or diarrhea. The FDA has approved magnesium stearate as a safe product and allows its use as an additive in foods and supplements.
There are no case studies regarding the benefits of magnesium stearate, but it is known to slow the absorption and breakdown of drugs, which helps ensure that your body absorbs them in the correct area of your bowel. Without magnesium stearate, it would be hard to predict a medication’s outcome, quality, and consistency. Magnesium stearate is also used in cosmetics as a bulking agent, an anti-caking agent, and a colorant.
The recommended dosage for magnesium stearate is fewer than 2,500 milligrams (mg) per kilogram daily. This equals about 170,000 mg for a 150-pound adult, much more than what you’d typically find in supplements or medications. When taken in amounts found in dietary supplements and food sources, magnesium stearate is likely safe.
There are no potential side effects when taken at the recommended dose. However, concerns have been raised that magnesium stearate can have negative effects such as raising cholesterol levels, suppressing the immune system, creating biofilms in the body, and causing allergic reactions.
