Magnesium Stearate Side Effects

Magnesium stearate is a salt of magnesium that contains stearic acid (saturated fatty acid) in its structure. This magnesium salt is white in color and remains solid at room temperature. With reference to its chemical nature, it is also known as octadecanoic acid. Naturally, stearic acid is found in food sources like cocoa, coconut, milk, egg, fish, poultry, meat, etc. The usage of magnesium stearate in pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturing companies is controversial. Though many people claim it to be a safe compound, others are more concerned about the magnesium stearate side effects it causes. Let's take a look at the uses and side effects of magnesium stearate.

Magnesium Stearate Uses

Is magnesium stearate safe? is a frequently asked question among many people. The proponents of magnesium stearate are of the opinion that it is safe and poses no risk for any type of medical problem. Some of the properties and uses of magnesium stearate are:

• Magnesium stearate is used as a diluting agent in manufacturing capsules and other dietary supplements.
• It is a crucial stabilizing ingredient in vitamin tablets, especially when there are multiple vitamins with different chemical properties.
• You can also find magnesium stearate as a binding and emulsifying component in baby formulas, baby cosmetics, hard candies, paints and varnish drier.
• Magnesium stearate possesses lubricating properties and is the most frequently used lubricant in pharmaceutical industries.
• Once magnesium stearate is added to the composition of tablets, it prevents the components from adhering to the encapsulation equipment, being the capsule itself.

Magnesium Stearate Side Effects

There is no problem in formulating dietary supplements and other products without using magnesium stearate. The only drawback is that it will take more time and will require specific and meticulous precautions. According to the FDA, magnesium stearate is a granulating agent. The side effects of magnesium stearate are:

Toxicity
While speaking about magnesium stearate side effects, a concerning issue is the source from which this magnesium salt is isolated. As per a survey conducted, the commonly used sources are palm oil and cottonseed oil (after hydrogenation). The process of hydrogenation produces altered products that are toxic for the body. Also, palm oil and cottonseed may contain hazardous pesticides.

Overdose
Magnesium stearate in small amounts is safe. Nevertheless, in some companies, magnesium stearate is added in very high amounts for the smooth functioning of machinery and for increasing the rate of mass production at a lesser time. Hence, every time you take a pill, you are ingesting higher amounts of magnesium stearate, which can cause unusual health effects.

Absorption Problem
One of the reported dangers of magnesium stearate is the decreased absorption of nutrients for health. Researchers opine that tablets without magnesium stearate have a 90 percent absorption rate, while those formated with magnesium stearate show a 25-30 percent absorption capacity. This is the reason why, some people complain of absorption problems after taking magnesium stearate containing products.

Immune Responses
Excessive ingestion of magnesium stearate adversely affects the normal functioning of T-cells, which are very important for the body's immune responses. High amounts of magnesium stearate act as a immunosuppressor. Thus, prolonged administering of magnesium stearate at a high dosage weakens the immune system over a period of time.

Other Health Issues
Inhalation of magnesium stearate powder and fumes causes severe inflammation of the respiratory system and asphyxia, particularly in those who are hypersensitive to allergies. It is also suggested that acute consumption of this magnesium salt can lead to gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestine). Read more on magnesium supplements side effects.

This was in brief about the various magnesium stearate side effects. With this information, I hope you got the answer for, is magnesium stearate harmful? Apart from medical issues regarding the dangers of magnesium stearate, one more argument is about the source of extraction; either vegetarian or non vegetarian food. Hence, it is mandatory to mention the source of magnesium stearate (if used) in the labels. On a safety note, it is always better to purchase dietary and nutritional supplements from a reliable brand having a good record.