Nutritional Value of Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a colorless, oily byproduct of petroleum distillation. It is insoluble in water, and it has no nutritional value.

Uses

• Mineral oil is used as a lubricant in the manufacturing of cosmetics and in medicine as a laxative.

Function

• Mineral oil coats the intestinal walls, preventing the absorption of water. The excess water initiates a bowl movement.

Other Functions

• Mineral oil also prevents the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It reduces the presence of fat-soluble vitamins in the intestines such as vitamins A, D, E and K.

Side Effects

• Mineral oil may cause nausea, cramping, vomiting and loss of normal bowl response.

Drug Interactions

• Mineral oil can be absorbed by the body if taken with docusate calcium, docusate potassium or docusate sodium.

Considerations

• If you have unexplained stomach pain, blocked intestines, rectal bleeding or any disease of the digestive tract, mineral oil may worsen these conditions.