What is that
Magnesium stearate is a salt that originates from the union of two stearate molecules with a magnesium cation (Mg2 +). Stearate is none other than the anion of stearic acid, a saturated fat with 18 carbon atoms widespread in nature (C18H36O2), especially in animal fats.
Properties and Uses
At room temperature, magnesium stearate appears as a white, odorless and water insoluble powder.
Its industrial use is particularly wide, especially as regards pharmaceutical and food companies; it is in fact used as an anti-caking agent, given its excellent smoothness qualities.
As an anti-caking agent
Its addition to a drug or a tablet supplement is very useful for improving the workability of powders, making sure that they do not stick to the tablet press machines; in addition, magnesium stearate reduces the friction between the particles and the mold. It must in fact be borne in mind that during mechanical compression a friction is created that can bring the powders to temperatures close to 70 ° C, and it is therefore important to add excipients capable of reducing friction and the risk of denaturation of the active ingredients. .
Health aspects
On the label, the presence of magnesium stearate can be declared in full or with the initials E470b. Being made up of molecules commonly found in food, magnesium stearate is considered an absolutely safe additive, at least up to doses of 2.5 g / kg per day. From the health point of view, remember that stearic acid, despite being a saturated fatty acid, is desaturated in oleic acid in the body and its atherogenic power is therefore particularly low.
The stearic acid used in the production of magnesium stearate can be obtained from animal fats or vegetable oils (by hydrogenation of oleic acid); it is assumed that when the word natural magnesium stearate appears on the label, its origin is precisely vegetable.
Magnesium stearate cannot be considered a magnesium supplement, given the low percentage of the mineral and the high percentage of stearic acid.
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