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Reading formulas carefully
Good formulas are not defined by fear of E numbers or a “natural” slogan. What matters is the function of each ingredient — and whether a manufacturer can technically do without it.
Why additives are used
Powders need to flow, tablets need to hold their shape and capsules need to be filled reliably. Anti-caking agents, glazing agents, humectants or carriers may be used for these purposes. Their role is primarily technological, rather than nutritional.
This explains their use without judging it. The important questions are whether the function is necessary in the particular product, whether it is clearly identified and whether a simpler formula could serve the same purpose.
The ingredient list as a map
Ingredients generally appear in descending order by weight. This provides initial guidance, but does not reveal the exact quantity of every component. Nutrients with specified quantities are also listed in the nutrition table or the declaration of characteristic substances.
Read both together when assessing a product. The ingredient list shows the composition; the table shows relevant quantities per daily serving. Together, they provide a useful picture.
Magnesium stearate: a lubricant with a poor reputation
Magnesium stearate belongs to the magnesium salts of fatty acids and is often used as a lubricant and anti-caking agent. It prevents powder from sticking to machinery and makes uniform tablet or capsule production easier. Ingredient lists may identify it as an anti-caking agent or under the designation E 470b.
Magnesium stearate is often described online as harmful in general. There is no robust evidence for such a blanket statement at the usual permitted levels. More useful quality questions are: Is the lubricant technically necessary? How pure is the raw material? Can the product be manufactured without this additional component?
Viptamin deliberately avoids magnesium stearate in its formulas. This is a clear feature of its purity approach, but does not prove that every competing product containing magnesium stearate is harmful. The difference is a formulation philosophy: use as few processing aids as possible where reliable processing and dosing can be achieved without them.
Titanium dioxide: from white pigment to banned food additive
Titanium dioxide, previously used as E 171, gave tablets, coated tablets and foods a uniform, opaque white surface. The colour had no nutritional function; it served appearance alone.
In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority could not rule out concerns about possible damage to genetic material. The European Union subsequently withdrew its authorisation as a food additive. Since 2022, E 171 may no longer be added to foods, including food supplements, in the EU. Medicines are subject to separate rules.
This illustrates why assessments can change. New evidence can lead to a different assessment of a previously authorised substance. When looking at older products, imports or information from outside the EU, consider both the jurisdiction and how current the information is.
Silicon dioxide: preventing clumping, with questions about particle size
Silicon dioxide (E 551) keeps powders flowing and prevents lumps. This can make machine dosing easier, particularly for fine raw materials that absorb moisture. It is therefore used in spices, powder blends and food supplements.
The safety discussion focuses on precise material characterisation, small particles and possible impurities. In its 2024 re-evaluation, EFSA found no safety concern for the population at the authorised uses. It also recommended stricter limits for possible impurities such as lead, mercury, arsenic and aluminium.
This is neither approval of every possible raw-material quality nor a reason for blanket fear. What matters is whether a manufacturer uses checked specifications and whether the anti-caking agent is needed in that particular product form. Viptamin chooses formulas without added silicon dioxide.
Cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and talc
Microcrystalline cellulose (E 460i) is often used as a filler, binder or carrier. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is also used for plant-based capsule shells. The word cellulose alone therefore does not show whether it forms a capsule or merely adds volume to a tablet. The ingredient list should make that function clear.
Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (E 466) binds water, stabilises blends and can act as a thickener or coating agent. It is authorised, but remains under scientific observation. When considering new studies on gut tolerance or the microbiome, the quantities used and their relevance to humans matter. Individual experimental findings do not justify general claims about disease.
Talc (E 553b) can be used as an anti-caking agent. Purity, possible mineral impurities and particle characterisation are central to ongoing assessments. For all these substances, potential harm depends on material quality, dose and use. A manufacturer that can do without them nevertheless reduces complexity and outstanding quality questions.
Seven questions when comparing products
Is each ingredient clearly named? Is its function apparent? Are quantities stated per daily serving? Does the product form suit its purpose? Are there unnecessary overlaps? Are allergens clearly identified? Can the manufacturer be contacted with questions?
These questions are more useful than a blacklist of individual substances. They shift attention from a slogan to the whole formula and make products meaningfully comparable.
The Viptamin principle
Since 2011, the Viptamin purity commitment has stated that its formulas avoid artificial sweeteners, added E-number additives, added sugar and genetically modified ingredients. The brand also states that it does not use animal testing. In Komplett Forte and Bio Protein, this approach is reflected in openly named raw materials and processing kept as simple as possible.
Precisely because Viptamin sells products, this commitment must remain verifiable. Ingredient lists, allergen information, daily servings and processing provide the evidence. Good product information does not dramatise other formulas; it shows specifically which components Viptamin has chosen or deliberately left out.
English translation of the current German article. Sources for the additive assessments: European Commission: food-additive re-evaluation; EFSA: silicon dioxide re-evaluation, 2024.