Laxatives

Laxatives/Nutrient Depletion:

  • Beta-caroteneBeta-carotene: Based on human evidence, mineral oil may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including beta-carotene (3673974).
  • CalciumCalcium: Based on secondary sources, mineral oil or stimulant laxatives (cascara, senna, and bisacodyl) when used for prolonged periods may reduce dietary calcium and vitamin D absorption, often causing osteomalacia (bone softening). Clear evidence pertaining to how this mechanism may apply to calcium absorption, however, is currently lacking. According to secondary sources,if a significant amount of phosphate is absorbed, hypocalcemia may occur.
  • MagnesiumMagnesium:According to secondary sources,if a significant amount of phosphate is absorbed, hypomagnesemia may occur.
  • Phosphate SaltsPhosphate Salts: According to secondary sources,mineral oil may impair absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K and impaired absorption of vitamin D may affect the absorption of calcium and phosphates. According to secondary sources,if a significant amount of phosphate is absorbed, hyperphosphatemia may occur.
  • PotassiumPotassium:There is conflicting human evidence as to whether mineral oil interferes with the absorption of potassium. According to human study, marked chronic hypokalemia was noted secondary to laxative abuse (1147438). According to secondary sources,chronic laxative abuse in humans may result in various electrolyte abnormalities, including hypochloremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia.
  • Vitamin A/retinolVitamin A/retinol: Mineral oil has been reported to reduce absorption of all fat-soluble vitamins. According to secondary sources, with occasional use, the effect on vitamin A levels may not appear to be substantial. According to animal study, mineral oil may cause decreased serum vitamin A levels (http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/reprint/7/6/617.pdf).
  • Vitamin D/calciferolVitamin D/calciferol: Based on secondary sources, intestinal absorption of vitamin D may be impaired with the use of mineral oil. Stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl, cascara, senna) may reduce dietary vitamin D absorption. Stimulant laxatives should be limited to short-term use if possible. A case of osteomalacia with prolonged laxative abuse was reported (857821).
  • Vitamin EVitamin E: In humans, there have been concerns regarding the interference in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in long-term treatment with mineral oil (17041175). Clear evidence in the literature to support this claim, however, is currently lacking.
  • Vitamin KVitamin K: Based on anecdotal evidence, mineral oil may decrease absorption of oral vitamin K and increase vitamin K requirements.