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Is Magnesium Stearate Safe?

Magnesium stearate is commonly found as an additive in pills. It is a binder used to hold the active ingredients together. It is completely safe as a pill additive.

  1. Irritation Hazards in Industrial Quantities

    • In industrial quantities, high concentrations of magnesium stearate dust can be an explosion hazard, cause lung irritation, and irritate the eyes. Eating large amounts can cause diarrhea.

    Handling Precautions

    • Wear a respirator, goggles, gloves and lab coat when handling large quantities. Provide good ventilation to avoid dust buildup, and avoid ignition sources.

    What Is Magnesium Stearate?

    • The two components of magnesium stearate are naturally occurring nutrients. Stearic acid (called stearate when it forms a salt) is a naturally occurring fatty acid that also makes a good soap when combined with sodium. Magnesium is a mineral essential to health. The amounts in a pill are insignificant when compared with the minimum daily requirement of either nutrient.

    Soap Scum

    • Magnesium stearate is soap scum. Magnesium is one of the minerals that make hard water hard. When soaps mix with hard water, they form a gooey scum, good for holding pills together.

    Good Binder

    • Magnesium stearate is water insoluble, but is soluble in acid. Pills with magnesium stearate binders will rapidly dissolve in stomach acid allowing quick dissolution for rapid release of medication.

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