Magnesium Stearate and Stearic Acid
Innate Response uses stearic acid as a lubricant in the production of their supplements. Stearic acid (also known as octadecanoic acid) is one of the most common long-chain fatty acids. It occurs naturally in both animal and vegetable fats. It is a fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms and the chemical formula C17H35COOH. Stearic acid is found naturally in various foods in much larger quantities than the very small amounts used in Innate Response and MegaFood supplements. In chocolate (cocoa butter), which is high in saturated fat, one-third of the fat content is stearic acid. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that stearic acid can be added to food in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP).
Magnesium stearate and stearic acid are two related substances, but they have different properties and uses.
Magnesium Stearate
Composition: Magnesium stearate is a chemical compound consisting of magnesium ions bound to stearic acid molecules. Its chemical formula is (C17H35COO)2Mg.
Usage: Magnesium stearate is used as a lubricant and binder in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements. It prevents tablets from sticking together and helps improve their form.
Stearic Acid
Composition: Stearic acid, also known as octadecanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms and the chemical formula C17H35COOH. It is found naturally in both animal and vegetable fats.
Usage: Stearic acid is used in the food industry as a stabilising and emulsifying agent. It is also an ingredient in cosmetics and soap. In pharmaceutical production, it can be used as a lubricant, though it is less common than magnesium stearate.
Differences
Composition: Magnesium stearate is a compound of magnesium and stearic acid, while stearic acid is a specific fatty acid on its own.
Use in Manufacturing: Magnesium stearate is primarily used as a lubricant and binder in tablet and supplement production. Stearic acid can be used in similar roles but is more commonly found in the food and cosmetics industries.
Health and Supplements: Both magnesium stearate and stearic acid are used in relatively small amounts in supplements and medications. They are generally considered safe for consumption.
It is worth noting that there is some controversy surrounding the use of magnesium stearate in supplements, but it is typically used in very small amounts and is regarded as safe by authorities like the FDA and EFSA.
Innate Response and MegaFood
Innate Response and MegaFood are GMP-certified manufacturers. They use stearic acid, a safe fatty acid found naturally in healthy foods. Innate Response and MegaFood only use very small amounts of stearic acid (often less than 1 mg per capsule) to enhance the performance of a given supplement. This is a fraction of what is found in everyday foods. Meat, coconut fat, and chocolate are rich in stearic acid.