Ingredient

Magnesium Stearate

Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use magnesium stearate as a lubricant and flow agent in the production of …

What is Magnesium Stearate?

Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid. Stearic acid is a fatty acid that can come from animal fats or vegetable oils. It is typically produced by reacting stearic acid with magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide.

Is Magnesium Stearate gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Magnesium Stearate a major allergen?

Magnesium stearate is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens.

What is Magnesium Stearate used for?

Manufacturers use magnesium stearate as a lubricant and flow agent in the production of tablets and capsules, including dietary supplements.

Is Magnesium Stearate safe?

Magnesium stearate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use magnesium stearate as a lubricant and flow agent in the production of tablets and capsules, including dietary supplements. It helps prevent ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment. It is commonly found in dietary supplements, chewing gum, and some candies.

Health notes

Magnesium stearate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is not typically consumed in large amounts. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated magnesium stearate. Some anecdotal reports suggest it may have negative health effects, but scientific evidence supporting these claims at typical consumption levels is limited.

Allergen info

Magnesium stearate is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Magnesium Stearate

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.