http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articl...20623_DNL_art_1

'Flow agents' used in supplements and vitamins - a 'head's-up' on Magnesium Stearate.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/06/23/whole-food-su pplement-dangers.aspx?e_cid=20120623_DNL_art_1

Story at-a-glance
"Many supplement makers add “flow agents” and other fillers to their supplements. One potentially hazardous additive commonly used is magnesium stearate.
Magnesium stearate is essentially a chalk-like substance, which prevents the supplements from sticking together and allows the machinery to run smoother and faster, which equates to cost savings during the manufacturing process. Magnesium stearate is not a source of magnesium and has no benefits, but may have a detrimental effect on your immune function as stearic acid has been linked to suppression of T cells. The filler also stimulates your gut to form a biofilm, which can prevent proper absorption of nutrients in your digestive tract."

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Also be aware of Maltodextrin; Aspartame; Mannitol; Corn - read through ALL the ingredients - you'd be surprised at what some supplements and vits may contain from 'some' mfc!

Molly C

Thanks for the article Molly

stearic acid is one of the most common saturated fats. animal fat is up to 30% stearic acid.
- http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/the_facts_on_magnesium_stearate/
- http://swansonvitamins.blogs.com/swanson...t-says-yes.html

That did cross my mind jroc, except, when I was hunting out vits and supplements, I found a source that claimed 'no stearate' and also another source that made the same claim and several months ago another article that rather backed up Mercola.

Have just put in a pointed search, http://www.raysahelian.com/magnesiumstearate.html
jroc - Sahelian back up your statement, no harm. Interesting. Am glad to read it as was about to go out on the hunt again for vits ans supps sans stearate (nigh on impossible). So thanks for that

Have highlighted this so that others will see it quickly...

I posted a comment to the Mercola site - interesting. There are many comments as to his being incorrect on this one! Whether it 'is' the Mercola staff and Mercola himself is unaware of the tamasha, don't know, but certainly interesting. And would agree - obvious - his (staff?) headlining can be off the wall. However, does not take away from the good investigative work that he 'usually' does.

(Direct link 'to' the comments on the article is not available, so will have to go to the site and then bring up the comments section - 203 comments. A lively discussion...! And, one up to Mercola - everyone can have a say, and are posted. He aint afraid of criticism, that's for sure. Good.))

Take home point? Check and re-check again! (And thanks jroc).