Magnesium Sterate
Uses
Magnesium stearate is formed by adding a magnesium ion to stearic acid. The compound has lubricating properties, which is why it's often used in the making of supplements, as it allows the machinery to run faster and smoother, and prevents the pills or capsules from sticking to each other.
Watch for...
See below for opposing view - study Mercola refers to was not appropriate for purpose of argument
Stearic acid suppresses T cells—your natural killer cells—which are a key component of your immune system. Stearic acid causes the collapse of cell membrane integrity—an effect that was found to be time and dose dependent—which, ultimately, can destroy cell function.
Stearate is commonly sourced from hydrogenated oils such as cottonseed oil. This crop is oftentimes genetically engineered, but even when it's not, cottonseed oil tends to have very high levels of pesticide residues.
several batches of magnesium stearate manufactured by Ferro Corporation were found to contain various levels of harmful contaminants such as:
Stearic acid suppresses T cells—your natural killer cells—which are a key component of your immune system. Stearic acid causes the collapse of cell membrane integrity—an effect that was found to be time and dose dependent—which, ultimately, can destroy cell function.
Stearate is commonly sourced from hydrogenated oils such as cottonseed oil. This crop is oftentimes genetically engineered, but even when it's not, cottonseed oil tends to have very high levels of pesticide residues.
several batches of magnesium stearate manufactured by Ferro Corporation were found to contain various levels of harmful contaminants such as:
- Calcium hydroxide: aka "slaked lime," which is considered toxic, according to the National Institutes of Health
- Bisphenol-A: a toxic chemical and potent endocrine disrupter
- Irganox 1010: a "moderately hazardous" chemical with potential developmental toxicity, according to the Environmental Protection Agency
Alternatively
This article debunks the negative claims.
At NOW Foods, we use non-hydrogenated palm oil that already contains significant amounts of saturated fats providing abundant stearic acid. We use pure USP-grade magnesium stearate derived from non-hydrogenated, non-GMO, non-irradiated, certified Kosher palm oil.
At NOW Foods, we use non-hydrogenated palm oil that already contains significant amounts of saturated fats providing abundant stearic acid. We use pure USP-grade magnesium stearate derived from non-hydrogenated, non-GMO, non-irradiated, certified Kosher palm oil.