E470B · Magnesium salts of fatty acids
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Magnesium salts of fatty acids yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E470B?
Magnesium salts of fatty acids, most commonly magnesium stearate, are used as anti-caking and lubricating agents. They are especially common in dietary supplement and pharmaceutical tablets and capsules, where they keep powders from sticking to manufacturing equipment, and appear in smaller amounts in some processed foods. The fatty acid source can be derived from either vegetable oils or animal fat, and this is not always specified on packaging. They are considered safe for consumption at the levels typically used.
Also appears on labels as: Magnesium salts of fatty acids, Magnesium stearate, Magnesium palmitate, Magnesium oleate, Magnesium myristate, Magnesium laurate, Magnesium salts of fatty acids (vegetable), Magnesium fatty acid salts, Mg stearate, Mg palmitate, Mg oleate, E470b.
What the evidence says
- Source of the fatty acid (plant vs. animal) is often unspecified, relevant for vegans, vegetarians, and those with religious dietary requirements.
- Some research has raised questions about very high intakes affecting gut immune cell function, though typical supplement/food exposure is far below levels of concern.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical use levels in food and supplements.
Research behind the verdict
- Re‐evaluation of sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids (E 470a) and magnesium salts of fatty acids (E 470b) as food additives — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2018). The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids (E 470a) and magnesium salts of fatty acids (E 470b) when used as food additives. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the general population when these substances are used as food additives at the reported uses and concentrations.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E470B safe?
Our overall verdict for E470B (Magnesium salts of fatty acids) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E470B vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Magnesium salts of fatty acids — vegan: no, vegetarian: no, halal: no, kosher: no, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E470B and why is it used?
Magnesium salts of fatty acids, most commonly magnesium stearate, are used as anti-caking and lubricating agents. They are especially common in dietary supplement and pharmaceutical tablets and capsules, where they keep powders from sticking to manufacturing equipment, and appear in smaller amounts in some processed foods. The fatty acid source can be derived from either vegetable oils or animal fat, and this is not always specified on packaging. They are considered safe for consumption at the levels typically used.
Does E470B contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Magnesium salts of fatty acids.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.