What it does: Mineral oil acts as a lubricant and anti-clumping agent, helping to keep supplement ingredients from sticking together or to manufacturing equipment. It is not absorbed or utilized by the body for any nutritional function.
How it is used: Most often, mineral oil is used to create smooth, easy-to-swallow capsules, softgels, and coated tablets by contributing to their uniform texture and surface consistency.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Mineral oil is not found in plants or foods; it is produced solely from petroleum and appears in supplements as a liquid excipient or coating agent.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: It is included primarily to facilitate the manufacturing process by reducing stickiness, preventing clumping, and ensuring capsules or softgels have a smooth finish and stable consistency.
What to know before use: Mineral oil in small amounts is generally considered safe for supplement use, but consuming large quantities can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, so prolonged high intake should be avoided.
Interesting Fact
Mineral Oil: A Widely Used Supplement Filler and Lubricant
Mineral oil is often included in supplement formulas not for nutritional value, but as a filler or lubricant. Its smooth, odorless, and tasteless nature helps in the manufacturing process by making capsules easier to swallow and maintaining the consistency of softgels or tablet coatings. Its use is especially common in products where a stable texture is important.
