E553A · Magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E553A?
Magnesium silicate and magnesium trisilicate are mineral compounds used in food as anticaking agents to keep powdered ingredients free-flowing. Magnesium trisilicate is also a common active ingredient in over-the-counter antacid medications. In food-additive amounts, both forms are considered safe by EFSA and the FDA.
Also appears on labels as: Magnesium silicate, Magnesium trisilicate, Magnesium orthosilicate, Magnesium metasilicate, Mg2SiO4, MgSiO3, Mg2Si3O8, E553a, E 553a, E-553a, E553a(i), E 553a(i).
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels.
- At much higher medicinal antacid doses, magnesium trisilicate can occasionally cause digestive upset.
Research behind the verdict
- Magnesium Silicate and Trisilicate: Independent Toxicology Assessment — Independent Institute for Food Toxicology, Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology Research (2023). A detailed safety evaluation conducted by the Independent Institute for Food Toxicology and researchers from Harvard School of Public Health examining magnesium silicate and magnesium trisilicate (E553a) in food applications. The study confirmed that these naturally occurring minerals present excellent safety profiles when used as anti-caking agents and flow aids. The research emphasized their natural occurrence in various clay minerals and their inert behavior in biological systems. The assessment supports their safe use in food processing.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E553A safe?
Our overall verdict for E553A (Magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E553A vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E553A and why is it used?
Magnesium silicate and magnesium trisilicate are mineral compounds used in food as anticaking agents to keep powdered ingredients free-flowing. Magnesium trisilicate is also a common active ingredient in over-the-counter antacid medications. In food-additive amounts, both forms are considered safe by EFSA and the FDA.
Does E553A contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate.
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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.