Magnesium salts of fatty acids – are they safe for humans?

Whenever we reach for a snack, supplement, or even a seemingly healthy packaged product, we are surrounded by a long list of ingredients, many of which are difficult to pronounce or understand. One ingredient that often appears on labels but is still poorly understood by many consumers is magnesium salts of fatty acids, also known as E470b. Despite its technical name, this compound is actually quite common in food and supplement production and serves very practical purposes.

However, with the growing interest in healthy eating and growing concerns about additives, many people are asking: Is it safe? Does it have any impact on our health?

In this article, we'll take a closer look at what magnesium salts of fatty acids (E470b) really are, how they're used in everyday foods and supplements, what research says about their safety, and whether there's reason to be cautious. We'll also address common myths and questions to help you make more informed choices when shopping for food and supplements.

What are magnesium salts of fatty acids?

In essence, magnesium salts of fatty acids are chemical compounds formed when magnesium reacts with fatty acids, which are naturally occurring substances found in both plants and animals. While the term may sound like a complex chemical formula, its role is surprisingly simple. In the food industry, these salts are valued for their ability to improve the physical properties of products.

They act as emulsifiers, allowing ingredients that normally don't mix, such as water and oil, to combine into a homogeneous mass. Additionally, they act as anti-caking agents, preventing powders from clumping during production, storage, and transport. In supplements, they improve the flowability of powders, facilitating the production of tablets and capsules of uniform size and consistency.

Despite the presence of magnesium in chemical form, it's important to remember that magnesium salts of fatty acids are not a significant source of magnesium in the diet. Their primary purpose is functionality, not nutritional value—they ensure that products look good, have a smooth consistency, and maintain their intended structure.

Where can you find magnesium salts?

Magnesium salts of fatty acids are more common than most people realize. In food products, they can be found in everything from baked goods like cookies and bread to ice cream, margarine, and even processed meats. They serve to improve texture, prevent separation, and extend shelf life.

For example, in margarine, E470b helps maintain a uniform, spreadable consistency, and in ice cream, it can prevent crystallization and improve creaminess. In supplements and pharmaceuticals, magnesium salts are even more common. Tablets, capsules, and powdered formulas use E470b to ensure smooth production, prevent sticking in machines, and maintain a consistent dosage. If you look closely, you may see them labeled as E470b, magnesium stearate, or magnesium salt of fatty acid, which can be confusing for those who rarely read product ingredients.

Being aware of these labels is important, especially for people who follow the principles of clean eating or want to limit their consumption of processed additives.