- Used as filler in caps
- Lubricating properties
Magnesium stearate, also called octadecanoic acid, magnesium salt, is a
white substance which is solid at room temperature. It is a salt
containing two equivalents of stearate (the anion of stearic acid) and
one magnesium cation (Mg2+). Because it is widely regarded as
harmless, it is often used as a filling agent in the manufacture of
medical tablets and capsules. In this regard, the substance is also
useful because it has lubricating properties, preventing ingredients
from sticking to manufacturing equipment during the compression of
chemical powders into solid tablets. It is used to bind sugar in hard
candies. It is also a common ingredient in baby powders. In pure powder
form, the substance can be a dust explosion hazard, although this issue
is effectively insignificant beyond the manufacturing plants using it.
When used as a filling agent in the manufacture of capsules and
tablets, such as vitamins, the source of this ingredient is typically
beef. However, there is an increasing number of vegetarian options in
which the product specifically indicates it contains magnesium stearate
from vegetable sources.
If your using capping 1fast400 products and need a filler, Magnesium
Stearate makes a great one.