Magnesium Stearate Side Effects Magnesium stearate is used as a diluting and lubricating ingredient in capsules, tablets, vitamin supplements, and baby formulas. Some of the magnesium stearate side effects are toxicity, overdose, decreased nutrient absorption, weakened immune system, and other health hazards. Advertisement Magnesium stearate is a salt of magnesium that contains stearic acid (saturated fatty acid) in its structure. This magnesium salt is white in color and remains solid at room temperature. With reference to its chemical nature, it is also known as octadecanoic acid. Stearic acid is naturally found in food sources like cocoa, coconut, milk, egg, fish, poultry, meat, etc. The usage of magnesium stearate in pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturing companies is controversial. Though many people claim it to be a safe compound, others are more concerned about the side effects of magnesium stearate. Uses of Magnesium Stearate Health conscious people who know about the use of magnesium stearate in supplements and pills often raise the question, Is magnesium stearate safe?. The proponents of this magnesium salt are of the opinion that it is safe and poses no risk for any type of medical problem. After all, stearic acid is present in many of the food items. Some of the properties and uses of magnesium stearate are highlighted below. Magnesium stearate is used as a diluting agent in manufacturing capsules and several nutritional supplements. You can also find magnesium stearate as a binding and emulsifying component in baby formulas, baby cosmetics, hard candies, paints, and varnish drier. It is a crucial stabilizing ingredient in vitamin tablets, especially when there are multiple vitamins with different chemical properties. Magnesium stearate possesses lubricating properties and is the most frequently used lubricant in pharmaceutical industries. Once magnesium stearate is added to the composition of tablets, it prevents the components from adhering to the encapsulation equipment, by being in the capsule itself. Side Effects of Magnesium Stearate There is no problem in formulating dietary supplements and other products without using magnesium stearate. The only drawback is that it will take more time, and will require specific and meticulous precautions. According to the FDA, magnesium stearate is a granulating agent. And the effect of magnesium stearate in the body is different from that of the naturally occurring fatty acid, stearic acid. For your understanding, the probable adverse effects of magnesium stearate are mentioned below. Toxicity While speaking about the side effects of magnesium stearate, a concerning issue is the source from which this magnesium salt is isolated. As per a survey conducted, the commonly used sources are palm oil and cottonseed oil (after hydrogenation). The process of hydrogenation produces altered products that are toxic for the body. Also, palm oil and cottonseed may contain hazardous pesticides. Overdose Magnesium stearate in small amounts is safe. Nevertheless, in some companies, magnesium stearate is added in very high amounts for the smooth functioning of machinery and for mass production at a lesser time. Hence, every time you take a pill, you are ingesting higher amounts of magnesium stearate, which can cause unusual health effects. Absorption Problem One of the reported dangers of magnesium stearate is the decreased absorption of nutrients for health. Researchers opine that tablets without magnesium stearate have a 90 percent absorption rate, while those formulated with magnesium stearate show a 25 - 30 percent absorption capacity. This is the reason, some people complain of absorption problems after taking magnesium stearate containing products. Immune Responses Excessive ingestion of magnesium stearate adversely affects the normal functioning of T-cells, which are very important for the bodys immune responses. In other words, high amounts of magnesium stearate act as a immunosuppressor. Thus, prolonged administration of therapeutic formulation that contains magnesium stearate at a high dosage weakens the immune system over a period of time. Other Health Issues Inhalation of magnesium stearate powder and fumes causes severe inflammation of the respiratory system and asphyxia, particularly in those people who are hypersensitive to allergies. It is also suggested that acute consumption of this magnesium salt can lead to gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestine). Apart from the health issues of ingesting magnesium stearate, one more argument is about the source of extraction; either vegetarian or non-vegetarian food. Hence, it is mandatory to mention the source of magnesium stearate (if used) in the labels. On a safety note, it is always better to purchase dietary and nutritional supplements from a reliable brand that has a good record. By Ningthoujam Sandhyarani Last Updated: December 8, 2011 Dont Miss Symptoms of Low Magnesium Magnesium Citrate Side Effects Magnesium Supplement Side Effects Magnesium Citrate Bowel Prep Instructions Magnesium Oxide Side Effects More From Buzzle Low Magnesium Levels Magnesium Citrate Oral Solution Interesting Facts about Magnesium Magnesium Oxide Dosage Chemical and Physical Properties of Magnesium Magnesium Chloride Uses Uses of Magnesium Element Magnesium Post a Comment Name: Comments Just got thru calling vitamin info line about supplements containing magnesium srearate. I purchased these at Costco. I was unaware that all of these, had this ingredient, which they told me was for lubrication of the machinery! They told me not to take anymore and they are sending a shipping label for free return and refund. By experiments I discovered the rectal incontinence could be cured by not taking supplements with mag/sterate. Especially the Kirkland antacids. - Dayle [April 3, 2014] mag.stearate in any amount is a poison.Saying otherwise is like saying a tiny bit of arsenic is OK.Those posting a long article saying otherwise are simply DUMB.like:I took supplements for 30 years with mag.stearate with no harmful resultsis so stupid it is next to insanity.How the F--- does he know that?Impossible. - Melvin Spinoza [March 29, 2014] Hi there. So how can I get magnesium naturally? What are the fruits and vegetables that contain magnesium? Thank you and regards. - Shalene [May 22, 2013] I am still trying to locate the study that caused researchers to opine about the absorption differences in capsules with and without MS. This is only one study, the date that I have found is 4/85 but I cannot locate the actual article. This is important since you cite the immune issue research. It was in vitro. Also only one study to my knowledge. While allergies are a problem for some, many have allergies to substances and foods that are quite healthy for others. Strawberries for instance. The other issue here is the discussion of small amounts being safe, and then toxicity, pesticides, and magnesium supplement side effects as though the amount of magnesium in a fistful of supplement capsules with MS could seriously be enough to approach ODA supplementation or toxicity levels. OSHA does not consider it hazardous when properly handled by workers actually using the product to ... make vitamins. I am an RN (BSN) and work with research doctors in specialty clinics at a major teaching hospital. It is amazing how many of them dismiss all supplementation as foolish and without scientific basis - even the ones that have excellent scientific support. They just wont read the literature or make any effort to become better informed. When patients come in misinformed, it just adds to the problem of getting the docs to make an effort to increase their knowledge and understanding of supplementation. - Ginny [May 16, 2011] well im spellbound aftr hhearing about childrens animal shaped multi vitamins that contain the neurotoxins that make up aspartame. i now find that the chlorella i bought to boost my immune system contains something whose side effects are the weakening of the immune system.i just spent a heap of money on 2,000 tablets as they were on special offer and was popping them like ...umm popcorn or something. - Jem [February 26, 2011] what are your scientific data for these claims - Jusw Austin [February 11, 2011] When is the FDA going to outlaw any supplement containing magnesium stearate,titanium dioxide and all other poisons related theeto like steric acid,all designed to baffle the public,but still dangerous to the body.Is a little bit of cyanide OK?Nor is any stearic acid(s),etc. When if ever will the public wise up to this wool over their eyes by supplement companies - Melvin Spinoza [February 5, 2011] Whats up with this? There is either magnesium stearate, soybean oil, or carrageenan and natural flavors in almost every supplement you find.. Does anyone know of any supplements that are not filled with toxins and MSG by products, that dont cost you an arm and a leg, along with your first born child? I seem to be finding it harder and harder to keep the toxins out of my body that make us so sick. - Arnie W. [December 28, 2010] Informative article, however, does not say anything about could affect kidneys - Josephine [September 12, 2010] Your sources on this information? - Tim [August 16, 2010] Please provide the human study(ies) connected with the magnesium stearate that you are quoting. - Margaret Rustan [June 10, 2010] I would appreciate precise reference citations for studies about absorption and immune reactions to magnesium stearate in supplements that you discuss above. - G [April 10, 2010] About Buzzle | Privacy Policy Read more at Buzzle: buzzle/articles/magnesium-stearate-side-effects.html
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 19:21:06 +0000
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