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. 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.
