I read the info on Magnesium Stearate not long ago, and FINALLY felt like I got the real info on what it's about!! WOW. I do have a question for Dr. Ben, though:
Is vegetable magnesium stearate the same animal as the synthetic form, please? It seems there may be a difference, but I'm not sure. I would love to know, if possible...
Hello –
Great to hear you are receiving great assistance and products from www.HealthEGoods.com – always great to hear ;)
Regarding vegetable stearates, there are various forms of magnesium stearates, which are:
- Magnesium stearate
- Vegetable stearate
- Stearic acid
- Potentially others
The stearates and stearic acid encircle the powdered nutrients allowing them to slide.
To me, the issue is that magnesium stearate, in any of its forms, is used simply to lubricate the manufacturer’s machines. A fat is a fat is a fat. Magnesium stearate = vegetable stearate = stearic acid.
Magnesium stearate, again, in any form, is a fat and may potentially impede absorption of the nutrients you are intending to absorb.
Fats are not easy to digest for many people – especially those without healthy stomach acid secretion, without a gall bladder or with a dysfunctional gall bladder.
People who may not be getting full absorption of nutrients by taking supplements with magnesium stearate in any form are:
- people taking antacids
- experiencing stress
- people with helicobactor pylori
- people often having anxious mindset or eating in a hurry
- without a gall bladder or with liver dysfunction
- people with nutrient deficiencies preventing the formation of stomach acid and/or bile
Thus, I think that vegetable stearate is still an unfavorable ingredient to have in any supplement or vitamin.
If the goal is to enhance the health of the individual, then companies should not use stearates. There are other ‘flow agents’ that do not impede absorption or are actually beneficial to the individual. These are the ‘flow agents’ I prefer: amino acids, cellulose, sand (as silicon dioxide).
This is why I formulate all my Seeking Health supplements without magnesium stearate, stearic acid or vegetable stearate.
Hope this helps you.
In health,
Dr Ben
