In today’s world, there are numerous types of supplements and varieties to choose from. Most customers will read the health claims on the front of the label as well as the medicinal ingredients, but do you ever wonder what the non-medicinal and other ingredients are?
Let’s break down some of the common fillers and artificial ingredients that are put in some supplements, so you can make educated choices on what you want and don’t want to include in your daily routine.
Common Fillers & Artificial Ingredients
It is required by law for supplement companies to disclose all ingredient quantities in the supplement facts panel. However, you might notice that this is missing in the non-medicinal and other ingredients section. This is why they are often called ‘fillers’ or ‘excipients,’ meaning they are inactive substances.
Common fillers found on the market include magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and microcrystalline cellulose. We read these words all the time, but what do they do, and are they necessary?
Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium Stearate is the magnesium salt of stearic acid found in animal and vegetable fats. It is commonly used in supplements and medications to help with the lubrication of machinery used for encapsulation and to prevent ingredients from sticking together. Its other purpose is to aid consistent dosage while preventing clumping within the supplement capsule and powder.
However, there has been a rise in concern regarding the safety of taking magnesium stearate in larger quantities, over long periods of time, as it may compromise the absorption of medicinal ingredients. The water-repelling effect that magnesium stearate creates around active ingredients may affect the body’s ability to absorb its nutrients. It may also contribute to the build-up of biofilm in the body, and may be one of the many causes of brain fog, or even IBS-diarrhea.
While the law claims that small amounts of magnesium stearate shouldn’t have any adverse health reactions, it is important to consider all the supplements and medications that contain this filler. If we take them daily, are we reaping the full benefits of the ingredients, or are we hindering our health in the long run? (1)(2)
Silicon Dioxide
Silicon Dioxide, also known as silica, is a naturally occurring compound made of silicon and oxygen. It is commonly used as an anti-caking or flow agent and stabilizer used in many packaged foods (e.g., cereals, crackers, spices, etc.), supplements and medications. Silicon dioxide helps absorb excess moisture in supplements by ensuring the ingredients do not become lumpy. It is also frequently used to improve the shelf life and stability of a supplement by preventing active ingredients from reacting with each other.
Some have debated the health concerns of silicon dioxide being consumed in large quantities, as it may pose some potential risk to your lungs if you inhale fine silica dust. (3) A study conducted on the effects of silicon dioxide exposure revealed that mice exhibited higher inflammation levels and gut lining damage after prolonged exposure to the compound. (4) Additionally, they experienced an increase in immunoreactivity to food sensitivities, specifically ovalbumin (protein found in egg whites). (5) Again, we must consider the long-term health effects of taking silicon dioxide daily. Are we truly consuming low dosages if this filler is found in so many packaged foods, supplements and medications that we take daily?
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Microcrystalline Cellulose is a refined wood pulp or plant fibre used in supplements as a binder to help hold ingredients together, diluent to distribute ingredients equally and as a disintegrant to help with tablet breakdown and dissolution in the digestive tract. Side effects of this ingredient may include its potential laxative effect, a feeling of low energy and headaches.
The main issues that arise for this ingredient are the environmental and quality of pulp or plant fibres—are they organic and chemical-free, or are they derived from genetically modified (GMO) corn or cotton crops?
To create microcrystalline cellulose by acid hydrolysis, hydrochloric acid is used, releasing microscopic crystallites after 15 minutes. Hydrochloric acid is commonly used for the production of fertilizer, dyes, textiles and rubber. It is highly corrosive to the human body in large amounts. Are these microcrystallines safe to consume, and do they have any long-term health effects with daily consumption? (6)(7)
What Does Consuming Artificial Ingredients Long-Term Mean for You?
The most important message is that we do not know the long-term health concerns of consuming these common fillers and excipients daily. If your goal of taking supplements is to achieve optimal health, then these non-medicinal ingredients are as important as the medicinal ingredients. When shopping, it is essential to read the ‘other ingredients’ lists. As consumers, we can hold manufacturers responsible for creating true health aids.
At Living Alchemy, our supplements are 100% natural. We do not use artificial ingredients or fillers, such as magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide or microcrystalline cellulose, in any of our products. Instead, Living Alchemy only uses the finest ingredients containing 100% whole food, Certified Non-GMO Project Verified and USDA Certified Organic ingredients, wherever feasible. Our process utilizes an automatic encapsulation method to avoid adding any fillers or artificial ingredients.
The result? You receive a supplement that provides the best health benefits and nutrition that are as clean as possible, because the body recognizes food, not synthetics.
References:
1: Ratini, Melinda, ed. “Magnesium Stearate: What It Is, Its Uses, and More.” WebMD, August 15, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/what-is-magnesium-stearate.
2: Axe, Josh. “Is This Common Supplement Additive Dangerous?” Dr. Axe, February 25, 2025. https://draxe.com/nutrition/magnesium-stearate/.
3: Johnson, Jon. “Silicon Dioxide: Definition, Safety, and Effects.” Edited by Katherine Marengo. Medical News Today, May 8, 2019. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325122#side-effects-and-risks.
4: Adams, Jefferson. “Silicon Dioxide (Food Additive E551) May Trigger Intestinal Damage and Inflammation in People with Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity.” Celiac.com, March 7, 2024. https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/silicon-dioxide-food-additive-e551-may-trigger-intestinal-damage-and-inflammation-in-people-with-celiac-disease-or-gluten-sensitivity-r6478/.
5: Lamas, Bruno, Eric Houdeau, Elena F Verdu, Christel Cartier, Eric Gaultier, Heather J Galipeau, Mark Wulczynski, Yann Malaisé, and Natalia Martins Breyner. “Evaluating the Effects of Chronic Oral Exposure to the Food Additive Silicon Dioxide on Oral Tolerance Induction and Food Sensitivities in Mice.” Environmental health perspectives, February 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38380914/.
6: Jackson, Shane. “What Are Microcrystalline Cellulose Side Effects.” MedLab International, August 22, 2018. https://medlabgear.com/blogs/articles/what-are-microcrystalline-cellulose-side-effects.
7: Hydrochloric acid (hydrogen chloride), January 2000. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/hydrochloric-acid.pdf.