Flip over any supplement bottle and you'll see "Other Ingredients." Some are necessary for manufacturing. Others are cheap fillers. Here's how to tell the difference and find cleaner products.
1Fillers vs Necessary Excipients
Not all "other ingredients" are bad. Some are necessary:
Necessary: - Cellulose (plant fiber, helps form tablets) - Vegetable capsule (HPMC) - Silicon dioxide (prevents clumping) - Rice flour (filler in capsules, generally harmless)
Questionable: - Magnesium stearate (controversial but probably fine) - Titanium dioxide (colorant, no benefit) - Artificial colors (unnecessary) - Maltodextrin (filler, spikes blood sugar)
Avoid: - Hydrogenated oils - Artificial sweeteners (in some) - Unnecessary coatings and colorings
2Why Fillers Are Used
Manufacturing requirements: - Tablets need binding agents to hold together - Capsules need something to fill empty space - Powders need flow agents to prevent clumping
Cost cutting: - Cheap fillers bulk up product - Allows less active ingredient per serving - Improves profit margins
Marketing: - Colors make products "look" healthier - Coatings make tablets easier to swallow
3How to Find Clean Supplements
Look for: - Short ingredient lists - Recognizable ingredients - "No fillers" or "clean" claims (verify on label) - Third-party certifications
Red flags: - Long lists of unpronounceable ingredients - Multiple artificial colors - "Proprietary blend" hiding what's inside - Unusually cheap prices (often mean more filler)
Pro Tips
- Compare "Other Ingredients" between brands
- Powders and liquids often have fewer fillers than tablets
- Third-party tested products usually have better quality control
- Pay attention to "contains" warnings (allergens)
4The Magnesium Stearate Debate
Magnesium stearate is the most controversial filler. Critics claim it reduces absorption and has health concerns.
The evidence: Most research shows it's safe and doesn't significantly affect absorption at typical amounts. It's a flow agent that helps manufacturing.
If concerned: Look for products without it. Many clean brands avoid it. But don't panic if it's in a product you otherwise trust.
The Bottom Line
Some fillers are necessary, some are harmless, and some are best avoided. Focus on products with short, recognizable ingredient lists and don't overpay for "filler-free" marketing if the product still has harmless excipients.