Home
/ CL Answers
/ Does taking a laxative interfere with the absorption of vitamins or minerals?

www.consumerlab.com/answers/does-taking-a-laxative-interfere-with-the-absorption-of-vitamins-or-minerals/laxatives-vitamin-mineral-absorption/

Save to favorites

This feature is restricted to active members.

Join now to save favorites and get all member benefits, including over 1,300 reviews.

Join Now

Already a member? Sign in here.

Our Members Asked:

Does taking a laxative interfere with the absorption of vitamins or minerals?

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Initially Posted: 11/07/2017 | Last Updated: 05/16/2019

Answer:

Some laxatives can interfere with the absorption of particular vitamins or minerals, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies or electrolyte imbalances if taken for prolonged periods of time Short-term and occasional use should not cause an issue. Get the details for specific laxatives, such as mineral oil, magnesium, psyllium, oat bran, fiber, bisocodyl, senna, lactulose, and polyethylene glycol >>

Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to all CL Answers and over 1,300 reviews.

Join Now

Already a member? Sign In Here.

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/

Comments

Related CL Answers (10)

I take fluoxetine (Prozac), a SSRI drug to treat depression. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

Learn about Prozac (fluoxetine) drug interactions along with other supplements and SSRIs. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Does CBD interact with other medications?

Find out which drugs and medications can interact with CBD oil. CBD (cannabidiol) is metabolized by cytochrome p450 enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, and therefore, may affect the metabolism of drugs that are also metabolized by these enzymes. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Product Review - I take levothyroxine (Synthroid), a thyroid hormone to treat hypothyroidism. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

I take levothyroxine (Synthroid), a thyroid hormone to treat hypothyroidism. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

Is taking certain supplements and hypothyroidism medications bad? Learn which supplements can interact with thyroid hormone medications like levothyroxine (Synthroid), thyroid hormone levels, and laboratory tests.

Are there any supplements I should avoid when taking Valium or Xanax?

Find out which supplements should be avoided when taking benzodiazepines like Valium, Xanax, and Ativan. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

When taking a statin drug like Lipitor or Crestor, are there supplements I should avoid or take?

Learn about the interactions between certain supplements and atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and other cholesterol-lowering statins. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Product Review - I take lisinopril (Zestril), an ACE inhibitor drug to lower blood pressure. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

I take lisinopril (Zestril), an ACE inhibitor drug to lower blood pressure. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

When taking ACE inhibitors, find out which supplements should be avoided. Interaction info on Lisinopril or another ACE inhibitors. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

I take warfarin (Coumadin), an anticoagulant drug. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

Find out which supplements should be avoided when taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin (Coumadin), including vitamin K, St. John's wort, and curcumin. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Product Review - I take omeprazole (Prilosec), a proton pump inhibitor, to reduce stomach acid. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

I take omeprazole (Prilosec), a proton pump inhibitor, to reduce stomach acid. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

Supplement interactions with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs like omeprazole (Prilosec) and Nexium. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Which supplements can help treat constipation?

Find out which supplements can help for constipation, including fiber, flaxseed, probiotics, and magnesium. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Can psyllium help control hunger and appetite?

Learn more about psyllium (found in Metamucil), including effects on appetite and hunger control, results from clinical studies and safety. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Related Reviews (7)

Vitamin A

Magnesium Supplements

Potassium

Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamin E

Vitamin K Supplements

Zinc Supplements and Lozenges

Join our FREE Newsletter and Become a Member to View the full Review!

First Name

Email Address

I want to subscribe to weekly ConsumerLab emails, and I understand that I will have the option to become a full member in the next step.

* We do not sell or share your personal information with anyone else, ever.

Already a member? Sign in here.

Recent CL Answers

Do supplements help with Parkinson’s disease treatment or prevention?
Is it true that magnesium can make coffee taste better?
What are the health benefits of zinc carnosine, also called polaprezinc, and is it safe?

Be the first to comment

Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to CL Answers

Join Now

Already a member? Sign In Here.

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/

Submit your comment

This feature is restricted to active members.

Join now to add comments and get all member benefits, including over 1,300 reviews.

Join Now

Already a member? Sign in here.

Agree to Comment Terms

Please abide by the following:

If you make a statement of fact, such as whether a type of treatment does or does not work, state your basis -- such as personal experience or a published study.
If you make a positive or negative comment about a product, note whether or not you have a financial interest in the product or in a competing product.
Please be respectful in your tone.
Please do not submit any type of HTML markup or scripting as it will not be accepted, nor will posts that exceed 2,500 characters.

For your privacy, only your first name (from your account) followed by a random number will appear with your comment. Your last name and email address will not be displayed.