Mineral Oil

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Also indexed as:

Agoral, Kondremul Plain, Milkinol, Neo-Cultol, Petrogalar Plain

Mineral oil is a laxative used to soften stools in people with constipation. Mineral oil is also used as a vehicle to carry other ingredients in some topical skin products.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Mineral Oil

Depletion or interference	Beta-carotene Calcium* Phosphorus* Potassium* Vitamin A* Vitamin D* Vitamin E* Vitamin K*
Adverse interaction	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

Vitamins and minerals

Mineral oil has interfered with the absorption of many nutrients, including beta-carotene, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins A, D, K, and E in some,¹ but not all,² research. Taking mineral oil on an empty stomach may reduce this interference. It makes sense to take a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement two hours before or after mineral oil. It is important to read labels, because many multivitamins do not contain vitamin K or contain inadequate (less than 100 mcg per day) amounts.

References

1. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 176.
2. Clark JH, Russell GJ, Fitzgerald JF, Nagamori KE. Serum beta-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol levels during mineral oil therapy for constipation. Am J Dis Child 1987;141:1210-2.

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Last Review: 09-01-2007

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