Please Explain…
You may have noticed that your D-Mannose capsules contain an ingredient called: Magnesium Stearate. What is Magnesium Stearate, why is it mixed with D-Mannose, what role does it play and should you be worried about it?
Magnesium Stearate: A Flow Agent
Magnesium stearate is commonly used in supplements. It is sometimes referred to as being a ‘flow agent’. Flow agents can help to ensure capsules are made consistently each time. So, in a broad sense, they help supplement companies adhere to quality control guidelines.
Magnesium stearate prevents the individual ingredients involved in a D-mannose capsule (e.g. D-mannose, rice flour, vegetable source) from sticking together. Not only that, it prevents these ingredients from sticking to the encapsulating machines.
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In my five years of experience using D-Mannose capsules, I have not found it to cause any problems or side-effects. But of course, you can make your own informed decision, now that you know a little more about it.
Direct From The Source
One brand of D-mannose (NOW foods) where interviewed last year about their use of magnesium stearate in D-mannose capsules and when questioned if there are any known risks in consuming stearates their response was:
“Stearates do not share the cardiovascular risks of other forms of saturated fat. Stearates are well absorbed and do not coat the G.I. tract (in fact they discourage certain undesirable biofilms), so comparatively tiny amounts in dietary supplements do not inhibit absorption of nutrients in people.”
What Now?
If for whatever reason, you do feel as though D-mannose capsules are causing you upset, you might like to opt for D-Mannose powder instead. D-mannose powder typically doesn’t include nor require magnesium stearate as an ingredient. I personally prefer to use powder anyway. I turn to the capsules for times I’m on the run or are looking to take D-mannose discreetly.
