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

Our Members Asked:

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

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. cooperman.png

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

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/

Comments

Related CL Answers (11)

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.

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.

Are there any supplements I should avoid when taking aspirin or ibuprofen?

Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like Advil, Tylenol, and Motrin in combination with supplements could cause side effects. 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.

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.

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

Recent CL Answers

Be the first to comment

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

Join Now

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/