a magnesium salt of stearic acid—a compound containing two stearic acids and one magnesium. In the body, stearic acid is primarily converted into oleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid). Oleic acid comprises the majority of olive

Both compounds have become more commonly used in dietary supplements. Stearic acid is commonly used as a binder in tablets, and it has lubricant properties. Magnesium stearate is a lubricant commonly used in tablet formulations. After achieving a homogenous blend of powdered ingredients, adding a small amount of magnesium stearate enables the powder blend particle surface to be sufficiently coated while limiting penetration of the lubricant within the particle matrix. This allows tablets 10