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Magnesium Stearate: Uses and Benefits

Gélules de magnésium dans une cuillère en bois.
Present in many food supplements, magnesium stearateoften raises questions. Is it dangerous? Does it have an effect on health? Should it be avoided in supplements?

In this article, we will shed light on this ingredient: what is its real use, in which products it is found, and especially how it differs from the form of an absorbable magnesium, such as magnesium bisglycinate.

The goal is to provide you with a clear analysis, to help you better understand what you are consuming.

What is magnesium stearate?

A simple definition

Magnesium stearate is a salt obtained by combining a fatty acid (stearic acid) and magnesium. Specifically, it is a white, fine powder, insoluble in water, primarily used as an excipient in dietary supplements.

It is not an active ingredient; it plays an essential role in the manufacturing of tablets and capsules.

Why is it used?

Magnesium stearate is used for its properties: it prevents powders from sticking to machines during tablet manufacturing and allows for a homogeneous mixture of ingredients.

It also helps to:

  • Ensure better dose regularity in each capsule or tablet,
  • Guarantee the physical stability of the product, 

Is it an active ingredient?

No. Magnesium stearate should not be confused with active forms of magnesium. It does not contribute to the nutritional intake of magnesium. It is an inert excipient, so it has no direct beneficial effect on the body.

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Where to find it in dietary supplements?

Presence in dietary supplements

It is mainly found in products in the form of:

  • Tablets (vitamins, minerals),
  • Capsules (plant extracts, omega-3, magnesium, etc.),
  • Sometimes in compacted powders.

It is often present in very small quantities, generally less than 1% of the total product composition. 

Should we be wary of it?

Some consumers prefer to avoid additives, even if they are widely used. Concerns often relate to:

  • A fear of side effects,
  • A desire to consume "as natural as possible".

However, in the quantities present in dietary supplements, magnesium stearate is considered safe. 

Can it be avoided?

Yes, some brands offer products without magnesium stearate. These ranges are often aimed at consumers concerned about additives or those with natural, vegan, or clean-label preferences.

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Comparison between magnesium stearate and magnesium bisglycinate

What is magnesium bisglycinate?

Magnesium bisglycinate is a chelated form of magnesium, where the magnesium ion is bound to two molecules of glycine, an amino acid naturally present in the body. Thanks to this chelated form, magnesium bisglycinate is often recommended for those looking to increase their intake of this essential mineral for the body.

The forms of magnesium stearate and magnesium bisglycinate

Magnesium stearate and magnesium bisglycinate differ first by their nature and use.

  • Magnesium stearate is not a source of magnesium absorbable by the body. It is an excipient, a technical additive used to facilitate the manufacturing of tablets and capsules.
  • In contrast, magnesium bisglycinate is an active and absorbable form of magnesium, specifically designed to increase the intake of magnesium the body needs. Its chelated structure allows for better stability. 

Manufacturing and labeling

The manufacturing of magnesium bisglycinate requires a specific process where magnesium is combined in a controlled manner with glycine to form this chelate. This process ensures the stability and quality of the final product.

An important aspect of this type of magnesium is its traceability and quality control. The Albion Minerals label is an internationally recognized certification that attests to:

  • The purity,
  • The quality of the chelated minerals produced. 

This label guarantees that the magnesium bisglycinate used complies with strict manufacturing standards, which reassures consumers.

Conversely, magnesium stearate is:

  • A simple industrial additive,
  • Produced from fatty acids and magnesium,
  • Without specific certification of this type, as it is not intended for direct nutritional use. 

Thus, the choice between these two substances depends entirely on their function:

  • Magnesium bisglycinate is an active and beneficial form for the body. 

While:

  • Magnesium stearate is a technical excipient necessary for manufacturing, with no direct effect on the body. 

Magnesium stearate, usefulness and usage: in summary

Magnesium stearate is a technical additive used in the manufacturing of tablets and capsules. It does not provide magnesium absorbable by the body.

Magnesium bisglycinate, on the other hand, is an active chelated form, very well absorbed thanks to its bond with glycine. It is appreciated for its high quality, often certified by labels like Albion Minerals.

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