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 and artificial ingredients

It is required by law for supplement companies to disclose all ingredient quantities in the supplement facts panel. However, this is missing in the non-medicinal and other ingredients section. Other ingredients 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 is the magnesium salt of stearic acid found in animal and vegetable fats. It is commonly used in supplements and medications to lubricate machinery used for encapsulation and to prevent ingredients from sticking together. It is meant 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 large quantities over extended 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 with diarrhea.

In theory, small amounts of magnesium stearate shouldn’t have any adverse health reactions. However, it is essential to consider all the supplements and medications that contain this filler. If we ingest magnesium stearate daily from a variety of sources, are we reaping the full benefits of the ingredients, or are we hindering our health in the long run?

• Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is a naturally occurring compound made of silicon and oxygen. It is commonly used as an anti-caking agent and stabilizer in many packaged foods (e.g., cereals, crackers, spices), as well as in supplements and medications. Silicon dioxide helps absorb excess moisture in supplements, 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 consuming silicon dioxide in large quantities, as there are potential risks to the lungs if fine silica dust is inhaled. A study examining the effects of silicon dioxide exposure found that mice exhibited higher levels of inflammation and damage to their gut lining after prolonged exposure to the compound. Additionally, a separate study found that mice experienced an increase in immunoreactivity to food sensitivities, specifically ovalbumin (the protein found in egg whites). Again, we must consider the long-term health effects of taking silicon dioxide on a daily basis. 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 is a refined wood pulp or plant fiber used in supplements as a binder to help hold ingredients together, a diluent to distribute ingredients evenly, and a disintegrant to aid in 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. Environmental issues and the quality of pulp or plant fibers are the main concerns with this ingredient — is it organic and chemical-free? Is it derived from genetically modified (GMO) corn or cotton crops?

Microcrystalline cellulose is produced using hydrochloric acid through a process known as acid hydrolysis. Hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive to the human body in large amounts and is commonly used for the production of fertilizers, dyes, textiles and rubber. The proximity of hydrochloric acid to ingredients like microcrystallines brings up the question of whether they are safe to consume and whether they have any long-term health effects with daily consumption.

What does consuming artificial ingredients long-term mean for you?

The most important message is that the long-term health effects of consuming these common fillers and excipients daily are unknown. If you take supplements 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 supplements that are 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, 100% whole food, 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 is a supplement that provides the best health benefits through clean nutrition and whole food ingredients — because the body recognizes food, not synthetics.

This guest post was written by Living Alchemy’s Director of Education, Irene Pauline Humpelstetter, Certified Nutritional Practitioner and Chartered Herbalist.