E-number database
Fatty-acid salts (E470a/b, magnesium stearate)
Sodium/potassium/calcium/magnesium salts of fatty acids inherit the plant-versus-animal fat question. Magnesium stearate (E572) is the US-label cousin, even where it is not on the current Union list.
- E470a INS 470a E470a / E470b (Salts of fatty acids) Source-dependent Halal if verified E470a and E470b are salts of the same fatty acids that go into E471, so plant salts are Halal and animal ones follow the slaughter rules. plantHalal animalHalal if verified undisclosedHalal if verified
- E572 INS 572 E572 / E573 (Magnesium and aluminium stearates) Source-dependent Halal if verified Magnesium stearate (E572, INS 572) and aluminium stearate (E573) are metal salts of stearic acid. plantHalal animalHalal if verified undisclosedHalal if verified
How they differ
Salts of fatty acids (E470a sodium, potassium and calcium; E470b magnesium) are anti-caking agents and emulsifiers. Magnesium stearate (E572) is the one on vitamin tablets, supplements and some sweets, and aluminium stearate (E573) is a related salt.
The metal part is mineral and Halal. The fatty acids are the same ones that go into E471: palm, soy and other vegetable fats, or tallow. Supplement makers increasingly use vegetable grades, but capsules and tablets without a vegetarian or Halal claim are Halal if verified.
On the label
- “Magnesium stearate”, “calcium stearate” and “vegetable magnesium stearate” are this family; the word vegetable settles it.
- On supplements, check the capsule shell too: gelatin capsules are a separate question.
- A Halal or vegan mark on the tub covers every ingredient, not only this one.
Frequently asked questions
Is magnesium stearate Halal?
Halal when the stearic acid is vegetable or from Halal-slaughtered animals. Look for “vegetable magnesium stearate” or a vegan or Halal mark.
Is E470a the same as E471?
No, but it uses the same fatty acids, so it raises the same plant-or-animal question.