Potentially Harmful Effects of Magnesium
Stearate
Magnesium stearate is formed by
adding a magnesium ion to stearic acid. The compound has lubricating
properties, which is why it's often used in the making of supplements, as it
allows the machinery to run faster and smoother, and prevents the pills or
capsules from sticking to each other.
However, previous research has shown
that stearic acid suppresses T cells—your natural killer cells—which are a key
component of your immune systemi. According to that study, stearic
acid causes the collapse of cell membrane integrity—an effect that was found to
be time and dose dependent—which, ultimately, can destroy cell function.
Naturally, when you take vitamins
and other supplements, you do it with the idea of strengthening your immune system. However, if you
take supplements containing magnesium stearate, you could end up doing the
exact opposite as you're actually consuming chalk-like substance with each dose
you take.
This filler also stimulates your gut
to form a biofilm. You frequently see biofilms when you lift the lid of your
toilet reservoir. Biofilms are a sort of sludge lining that acts as an
effective barrier to the absorption of not only that particular vitamin but ALL
the nutrients you'd normally get from food sources as well.
This is of particular concern for anyone
with impaired digestion, which in today's world includes the vast majority of
Americans, due to poor dietary habits.
In my view, this side effect alone
is a major reason for focusing on nutritional foods, or, if you're taking a
supplement, making sure it's a high quality, natural food-based supplement that
does not include potentially harmful fillers and additives such as magnesium
stearate.
