What is Magnesium Stearate?
Magnesium stearate is an organic compound that appears as a white, sand-free fine powder. Mainly employed as a thickening in the food business, it is greasy feeling when in touch with the skin and insoluble in water, ethanol, or ether.
Magnesium stearate is mainly produced in China by neutralizing fatty acids with magnesium salts under appropriate conditions, separating and purifying the resulting magnesium stearate, which also includes filtering, washing and drying steps to remove unreacted raw materials and other impurities, and then crushing the purified magnesium stearate to obtain the finished magnesium stearate powder.
Related parameters:
| ITEMS | SPECIFICATION |
| Identification A | The tests for Magnesium |
| Identification B | conform |
| Acidity or alkalinity | conform |
| Loss on Drying | ≤6.0% |
| Chloride | ≤0.1% |
| Sulphates | ≤1.0% |
| Lead | ≤10ppm |
| Cadmium | ≤3ppm |
| Nickel | ≤5ppm |
| Stearic Acid | ≥40.0% |
| Stearic Acid&Palmitic acid | ≥90.0% |
| Assay (Mg) | 4.0%-5.0% |
| TAMC | ≤1000CFU/g |
| TYMC | ≤500CFU/g |
| Escherichia coli | Absent |
| Salmonella species | Absent |
Recommended dosage:
| Food name | Maximum usage(g/kg) |
| Cream | 1-5 g/kg |
| Ice cream | 1-3 g/kg |
| Cheese | 2-5 |
| Bread | 1-3 |
| Biscuits and cakes | 2-5 |
| Chocolate products | 2-6 |
| Hard and soft candies | 1-3 |
| Chocolate coatings | 3-5 |
| Salad dressings and pickles | 2-5 |
| Sauces | 1-3 |
| Canned foods | 1-4 |
| Sausages and ham | 1-3 |
| Processed meat products | 2-4 |
| Dairy drinks | 1-4 |
| Carbonated drinks | 1-3 |
| Juice drinks | 1-3 |
Magnesium Stearate has a wide range of uses
1. Lubricant: Magnesium stearate is often used in food processing due to its excellent lubricating properties, especially in preventing food from sticking and improving production efficiency.
2. Anti-sticking agent: In the production of sweets such as candy and chocolate, magnesium stearate as an anti-sticking agent can effectively prevent the adhesion between food and molds or packaging, and maintain the integrity and appearance of the food.
3. Stabilizer: Magnesium stearate can be used as a stabilizer to help improve the texture and taste of food, and in products such as dairy products, bread and biscuits, it helps to extend the shelf life and maintain good quality.
4. Release agent: In the manufacture of baked goods such as cakes and biscuits, magnesium stearate is used as a release agent to help easily remove the finished product from the mold and maintain the integrity and appearance of the product.
5. Anti-caking agent: Magnesium stearate can also be used as an anti-caking agent to prevent particles in food from agglomerating during processing and storage, and maintain the uniform texture and taste of the food.
6. Thickener: Magnesium stearate also acts as a thickener in some foods, especially in oily foods such as chocolate, sauces and condensed soups, which can increase their viscosity and taste and improve the texture of the food.
User asked question:
Q: Will ingesting magnesium stearate cause negative health effects?
A: Magnesium stearate is a commonly used food additive, mainly used to improve the processing characteristics and quality of food, such as improving lubricity, preventing adhesion, and increasing stability.
In general, magnesium stearate is safe to use according to the recommended dosage and will not have adverse effects on most human bodies. Excessive consumption, however, can lead to unpleasant gastrointestinal complaints like upset stomach or diarrhea.
Q: Can I take magnesium stearate with magnesium glycinate?
A: Both magnesium stearate and magnesium glycinate are common magnesium supplements that are often used to treat magnesium deficiency or increase magnesium intake. They are generally safe and can be used together.
But it is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist before use to ensure its suitability and safety in your personal situation. They can help you determine appropriate dosage and possible interactions.
