Side effects of Magnesium stearate
Side-effects of Magnesium
Stearate consumption
Magnesium Stearate, which is also
known as Stearic Acid, is a metal derivative. It is not required by the body and
is actually toxic in nature. However, it is generally still used in the
manufacturing of dietary supplements, as it is a FDA specified granulating and
formulating agent. While these supplements can be prepared even without the addition
of the Magnesium Stearate agent, the process takes more time, is liable to
caking the salt, and also mandates very specific and meticulous precautions
during preparation. Therefore, magnesium stearate is added during the process,
to increase the production rate. But it sometimes gets concentrated in very
high amounts during the manufacturing of these pills. A related issue is also the
source from which magnesium stearate is isolated – common sources being palm
oil and hydrogenated cottonseed oil (used for lubricating the machinery used in
manufacturing of these dietary supplements) and these may produce toxic products
that may contain hazardous pesticides.
Health issues caused by Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium stearate, if it is consumed
in small dosages, does not have any serious health related side-effects. It can
however have an adverse impact on an individual’s health, if it is taken in
higher doses (due to the consumption of dietary pills that contain magnesium
stearate).
Effect of Magnesium Stearate
in Absorption of Nutrients
Excessive magnesium stearate can
lead to a decrease in the absorption level of nutrients. Tablets without
magnesium stearate have a very high absorption rate (as much as 90 percent), but
can drop to levels below 25-30 percent for ones that have it.
Effect of Magnesium Stearate on
the Immune System
Since magnesium stearate is an
immuno-suppressor, its excess dosage can also have a negative impact on T-cell
functioning, which can adversely affect the immune system of the body. Therefore,
continued usage can significantly weaken the immune system as well.
Gastroenteritis due to
Magnesium Stearate
Excess consumption of magnesium
stearate can also cause gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and the
intestines.
Respiratory problems due to
Magnesium Stearate
Further, magnesium stearate
powder and fumes, if inhaled, can also cause an inflammation of the respiratory
system and even asphyxia, and can be particularly impacting those people who are
allergic or hypersensitive.
Ophthalmic problems caused by
Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium stearate has also been
reported to cause dryness in the eyes. It has been argued that since magnesium
stearate is used in capsules to prevent them from caking by absorbing moisture,
this when consumed has the same effect on the eyes. There is however no
conclusive medical evidence to support this diagnosis.
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