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Magnesium Malate Vs. Magnesium Sterate

Magnesium stearate and magnesium malate are both used in medicine but in different ways. Magnesium stearate is also known as octadecanoic acid; another name for magnesium malate is malic acid.

  1. Description

    • Magnesium malate, an easily-absorbed form of magnesium typically sold in pill form, is the magnesium salt of malic acid. Magnesium stearate, a salt derived from magnesium and stearic acid, is an ingredient of magnesium malate.

    Properties

    • Both magnesium stearate and magnesium malate appear as a white powder. The former is a type of fatty acid whereas the latter is a natural fruit acid.

    Chemistry

    • The chemical formula for magnesium stearate is C36H70MgO4. The chemical formula for magnesium malate is C4H4MgO5 . Both contain carbon, hydrogen, magnesium, and oxygen.

    Uses

    • Magnesium malate is used to treat fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Both may indicate magnesium deficiency. Magnesium stearate is used as a filler in medications and is found in magnesium malate tablets. Magnesium stearate is also used to bind the sugar in hard candy like PEZ.

    Fun Fact

    • Magnesium stearate is a component of "bathtub rings," formed when calcium or magnesium combines with soap particles.

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