Tag: Flow agent

Over five decades ago, magnesium stearate was already widely used in food, pharmaceutical tablets, and capsules. So, what do you use magnesium stearate for, and why is this unassuming, fine powder so essential to modern manufacturing processes today?

While often confused with bulking agents, magnesium stearate is primarily used as a lubricant and flow agent in supplements and medications to ensure a smooth manufacturing process. However, in cosmetics and other specific applications, it can also function as a bulking agent. This multifunctional ingredient is crucial for producing consistent and high-quality products.

Used by countless manufacturers, vegetable stearate is a common additive found in many pills, powders, and cosmetic products. Also known as vegetable magnesium stearate, it is a white, powdery compound created from the reaction of stearic acid and a magnesium salt, derived entirely from vegetable sources.

According to agricultural data, the global rice milling industry produces millions of tons of rice hulls as a byproduct annually, a waste material that has found a second life in manufacturing. So, why is rice hull in supplements? It is utilized primarily as an excipient—a natural, plant-based alternative to synthetic additives—and serves crucial functions as a flow agent and anti-caking agent during the encapsulation process.

Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is a naturally occurring compound found in many foods and is ubiquitous in nature. Thorne uses silicon dioxide in small amounts as a food-grade excipient to ensure manufacturing consistency and product stability.

Silicon dioxide, or silica, constitutes a significant portion of the Earth's crust, yet its presence often raises questions for supplement users. Many people ask, "Why is silica an ingredient in my multivitamin?" as they scan the label, unaware of its dual function within the supplement as both a processing agent and a trace mineral.

According to regulatory bodies like the FDA, magnesium stearate is considered a safe food additive and is widely used in supplement and medication manufacturing. Understanding what does taking magnesium stearate do is key to demystifying this ubiquitous ingredient found on many supplement labels.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified magnesium stearate as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) for its use in foods and supplements. This fine, white powder is one of the most widely used inactive ingredients in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, but what are the benefits of taking magnesium stearate from a consumer's perspective?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified magnesium stearate as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) for use in food and supplements at typical consumption levels. So, **what does magnesium stearate for** in the manufacturing process, and is it truly safe for a nutritious diet?