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Is Magnesium Stearate the Same As Stearic Acid?

You might have seen magnesium stearate on an ingredients list and wondered about it. It's a common ingredient that can be found in many nutritional supplements.

  1. Magnesium Stearate

    • Magnesium stearate is a salt that is made of two anions of stearic acid and one magnesium cation. This means it is a new compound formed when the positive ions from stearic acid combine with magnesium.

    Stearic Acid Similarity

    • Magnesium stearate is not the same thing as stearic acid, but a compound that is derived from it.

    Stearic Acid

    • Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in many animal and plant sources, such as cocoa and beef fat.

    Criticism

    • Some nutritional supplement manufacturers are alleging that magnesium stearate is harmful. This is despite FDA approval and despite a general lack of evidence to back up their claims.

    Magnesium Stearate Uses

    • Magnesium stearate is used to help bind ingredients in pills and as a filler.

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