Health Information
Mineral Oil
Drug Information
Mineral oil is a laxative used to soften stools in people with Reference constipation. Mineral oil is also used as a vehicle to carry other ingredients in some topical skin products.
Common brand names:
Fleet Mineral Oil, Kondremul PlainSummary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods
Replenish Depleted Nutrients
-
Reference
Beta-Carotene
Mineral oil has interfered with the absorption of many nutrients, including Reference beta-carotene, Reference calcium, Reference phosphorus, Reference potassium, and vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference K, and Reference 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 Reference 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.
-
Reference
Calcium
Mineral oil has interfered with the absorption of many nutrients, including Reference beta-carotene, Reference calcium, Reference phosphorus, Reference potassium, and vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference K, and Reference E in some,3 but not all,4 research. Taking mineral oil on an empty stomach may reduce this interference. It makes sense to take a daily Reference 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.
The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence. -
Reference
Phosphorus
Mineral oil has interfered with the absorption of many nutrients, including Reference beta-carotene, Reference calcium, Reference phosphorus, Reference potassium, and vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference K, and Reference E in some,5 but not all,6 research. Taking mineral oil on an empty stomach may reduce this interference. It makes sense to take a daily Reference 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.
The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence. -
Reference
Potassium
Mineral oil has interfered with the absorption of many nutrients, including Reference beta-carotene, Reference calcium, Reference phosphorus, Reference potassium, and vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference K, and Reference E in some,7 but not all,8 research. Taking mineral oil on an empty stomach may reduce this interference. It makes sense to take a daily Reference 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.
The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence. -
Reference
Vitamin A
Mineral oil has interfered with the absorption of many nutrients, including Reference beta-carotene, Reference calcium, Reference phosphorus, Reference potassium, and vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference K, and Reference E in some,9 but not all,10 research. Taking mineral oil on an empty stomach may reduce this interference. It makes sense to take a daily Reference 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.
The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence. -
Reference
Vitamin D
Mineral oil has interfered with the absorption of many nutrients, including Reference beta-carotene, Reference calcium, Reference phosphorus, Reference potassium, and vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference K, and Reference E in some,11 but not all,12 research. Taking mineral oil on an empty stomach may reduce this interference. It makes sense to take a daily Reference 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.
The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence. -
Reference
Vitamin E
Mineral oil has interfered with the absorption of many nutrients, including Reference beta-carotene, Reference calcium, Reference phosphorus, Reference potassium, and vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference K, and Reference E in some,13 but not all,14 research. Taking mineral oil on an empty stomach may reduce this interference. It makes sense to take a daily Reference 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.
The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence. -
Reference
Vitamin K
Mineral oil has interfered with the absorption of many nutrients, including Reference beta-carotene, Reference calcium, Reference phosphorus, Reference potassium, and vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference K, and Reference E in some,15 but not all,16 research. Taking mineral oil on an empty stomach may reduce this interference. It makes sense to take a daily Reference 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.
The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Reduce Side Effects
-
none
Support Medicine
-
none
Reduces Effectiveness
-
none
Potential Negative Interaction
-
none
Explanation Required
-
none
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.
3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 176.
4. 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.
5. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 176.
6. 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.
7. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 176.
8. 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.
9. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 176.
10. 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.
11. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 176.
12. 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.
13. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 176.
14. 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.
15. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 176.
16. 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.
Last Review: 11-07-2012
Copyright © 2012 Aisle7. All rights reserved. Aisle7.com
Please read the Reference disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. The Aisle7 knowledgebase does not contain every possible interaction.
Reference Learn more about Aisle7, the company.
The information presented in Aisle7 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 June 2013.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

