Understanding Mineral Oil: Safety, Consumption, and Health Considerations

Mineral oil is derived from petroleum, which is a naturally occurring fossil fuel found underground. It is obtained through a process called fractional distillation, where crude oil is heated and separated into different components based on their boiling points. Mineral oil is one of the products obtained from this process and is commonly used in various industries including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and mechanical lubrication.

Mineral oil is generally regarded as safe for human consumption when used in accordance with food safety regulations. However, it is primarily used as a laxative in over-the-counter medications, especially for relieving constipation. When used for this purpose, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and use it only for short-term relief.

An important thing to note is that mineral oil is not metabolized by the body and can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) if consumed in large quantities over a prolonged period. Excessive intake of mineral oil may lead to nutritional deficiencies.

You’ll be surprised where you’ll find mineral oil used as a supplement ingredient, so please read your labels and be aware of what you’re ingesting.

Live well,
Joe