I wonder can anyone tell me wether stearic acid is vegetarian or not?
I have found it listed on a medicine package that claims to be vegetarian but I'm uneasy about its origins.
The word 'stearic' suggests to me that it may come from cows, which is why I ask.
RE: Stearic Acid??
Stearic acid can be derived from animal fats or vegetable fats. If your medicine is from a reputable company and the label says that it is vegetarian, then it's probably derived from vegetable fats.
Hope that helps!
Amber
RE: Stearic Acid??
From the vegan society 'Animal free shopper' Quote:
Stearic acid (E570) organic acid prepared from stearin general name for the three glycerides monostearin, distearin,trisearin. Formed by the combination of stearic acid and glycerin,chiefly applied to tristearin, which is the main constitute of tallow or suet. uses in medicines,skin softener in toiletries and cosmetics.
So No its not veggie or vegan.
RE: Stearic Acid??
From Wikipedia:
Stearic acid is prepared by treating animal fat with water at a high pressure and temperature, leading to the hydrolysis of [link= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triglyceride ]triglycerides[/link]. It can also be obtained from the [link= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogenation ]hydrogenation[/link] of some unsaturated vegetable oils. Common stearic acid is actually a mix of stearic acid and [link= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmitic_acid ]palmitic acid[/link], although purified stearic acid is available separately.
From [link= http://www.answers.com ]www.answers.com[/link]
A colorless, odorless, waxlike fatty acid, CH3(CH2)16COOH, occurring in natural animal and vegetable fats and used in making soaps, candles, lubricants, and other products.
You can keep googling and find many more examples of where it can be derived from vegetable oils/fats. If in doubt, why not ask your pharmicist to clarify for you?
With love,
Amber