Also indexed as: Agoral®, Kondremul Plain®, Liquid
Parafin, 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.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Beta-carotene
Calcium*
Phosphorus*
Potassium*
Vitamin A*
Vitamin D*
Vitamin E*
Vitamin K*
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
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 Dietary 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.
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.healthnotes.com
Please read the disclaimer
about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information
in this article.
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of Using
Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2005.