Comparing E572 - Magnesium stearate vs E470AIII - Calcium salts of fatty acids

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Overview

E572 - Magnesium stearate

Magnesium stearate (E572) is a white, waxy powder used in tiny amounts to keep foods and supplements free-flowing and to stop tablets from sticking to equipment. It is the magnesium salt of common food fatty acids and is widely approved by regulators in both the U.S. and the EU for use at good manufacturing practice levels. It does not add taste or color and has no meaningful nutritional effect.

E470AIII - Calcium salts of fatty acids

Calcium salts of fatty acids (E470AIII) are common food additives that help ingredients mix, keep textures stable, and stop powders from clumping. You will often see them listed as “calcium stearate” or “calcium palmitate,” and they are used in very small amounts across many foods. Regulators in the U.S. and EU allow their use under good manufacturing practice.

Synonyms

E572

Magnesium stearate

E470aiii

Calcium salts of fatty acids

Functions

anticaking agent emulsifier

anticaking agent emulsifier stabilizer

Origins

Products

Found in 1,447 products

Found in 1 products

Search rank & volume

#8923K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×2.32

over-aware

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Search history data is not available.

Popular questions

Is magnesium stearate safe?
Yes—magnesium stearate (E572) is considered safe at permitted levels by major regulators (e.g., FDA GRAS; EFSA/JECFA no safety concern at typical uses).
Is magnesium stearate bad for your liver?
There’s no evidence it harms the liver at normal food or supplement levels; stearate is metabolized like other dietary fats and the magnesium contribution is minimal.
What is magnesium stearate used for?
It’s used as a lubricant/flow agent in tablets and capsules and as an anti-caking or release agent in foods to help powders flow and prevent sticking.
Is magnesium stearate bad for you?
No—at normal use levels it isn’t associated with harm; very high intakes may cause mild digestive upset in some people.
What is vegetable magnesium stearate?
It’s the same compound made from plant-derived stearic acid (e.g., palm or other vegetable oils) rather than animal fat, labeled for vegetarian or dietary preference reasons.