Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a commonly used laxative. However, it has no nutritional value, and with prolonged use may deplete the intestines of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as decrease the absorption of the valuable minerals calcium and phosphorus. A healthy alternative is flax oil, which not only has laxative properties, but is a valuable source of nutrition as well. Unlike mineral oil which slides through the intestines, possibly taking vitamins with it, flax oil is a nutrient that facilitates absorption of the above vitamins.

NUTRITIP Ketch-Oil: A trick we have used to fortify our little ketchup lovers is to mix fruit- sweetened ketchup with flax oil. Put a dollop of ketchup on a plate, make an opening in the center, pour in 1 to 3 teaspoons of flax oil, and mix together well. The oily taste is gone.