Comparing E470A - Sodium/potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids vs E572 - Magnesium stearate

Overview

E470A - Sodium/potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids

Sodium/potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids (E470a) are food-grade “soap-like” compounds made by combining common fatty acids with minerals. They help oil and water mix, keep powders free‑flowing, and stop foods from sticking to equipment. Regulators in the U.S. and EU allow their use within good manufacturing practice.

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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.

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Synonyms
E470a
Sodium/potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids
E572
Magnesium stearate
Functions
anticaking agentemulsifierstabilizer
anticaking agentemulsifier
Origins
Plant
Animal
Plant
Animal
Products

Found in 9 products

Found in 1,447 products

Search rank & volume
🇺🇸U.S.
#8923K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

Awareness data is not available.

×2.32
over-aware

Search volume over time

Search history data is not available.

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

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Popular questions

  1. What is calcium salt of triglycerides acids e470a in baking?

    In baking, E470a (calcium salts of fatty acids, often calcium stearate) is an emulsifier/stabiliser used to help fats and water blend, condition dough, and keep powdered mixes free‑flowing. It also acts as a release agent to reduce sticking and can improve crumb softness and shelf life.

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  1. 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).

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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