Magnesium Stearate (E572): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Magnesium stearate is the magnesium salt of stearic and palmitic acids, used as an anti-caking, release and flow agent, especially in tablets, supplements and confectionery. It is practically insoluble and poorly absorbed, and the fatty acids released are ordinary dietary fats metabolised normally. EFSA re-evaluated magnesium salts of fatty acids E470b in 2018 and raised no safety concern at reported uses.
- Category
- Anti-Caking Agent / Emulsifier — Anti-caking agent
- Typically used in
- Tablets and food supplements, confectionery and powdered foods as a release and anti-caking agent.
- Regulatory status
- The E572 code is a Codex INS number not separately listed in the EU or UK additive list; magnesium stearate is authorised in the EU and UK under E470b, magnesium salts of fatty acids.
Scrannr flags Magnesium Stearate automatically when you scan a barcode.
Where this comes from
- EFSA (2018) — Re-evaluation of sodium potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids E470a and magnesium salts of fatty acids E470b as food additives https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/5180
Products containing Magnesium Stearate
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