E470b — Magnesium salts of fatty acids
E470b (Magnesium salts of fatty acids), a emulsifier, is rated "safe": no significant concern. Magnesium stearate. Used as an anti-caking and lubricant agent in supplements, powders, and confectionery. Inert at food and supplement levels.
What is Magnesium salts of fatty acids?
Magnesium stearate, a combination of magnesium and stearic acid (a common dietary fat). Used as an anti-caking agent and tablet lubricant in supplements, sweet powders, and pressed candies.
What does it do to the body?
Your gut breaks it into magnesium (an essential mineral) and stearic acid (a normal dietary fat). No safety issue at food or supplement levels despite occasional internet rumours.
What regulators say
EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive with no numerical acceptable daily intake.
Risk rating: Safe
Cleared by EFSA with no significant concern at typical dietary exposure. Common, well-studied, and not a reason to put a product back on the shelf.