What it does: Mineral oil serves primarily as a processing aid and does not interact with the body or provide nutrients. It provides lubrication and prevents ingredients from sticking together during supplement production.
How it is used: Most commonly, mineral oil is used to improve the texture and swallowing ease of capsules, softgels, and coated tablets, ensuring smooth surfaces and consistent product quality.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Mineral oil does not occur in foods or plants. It is produced exclusively through the purification of petroleum and is only present in supplements as a liquid excipient or processing aid.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Its main role is to facilitate capsule and tablet manufacturing by preventing clumping, aiding in even coating, and helping produce uniform, stable softgel and capsule products.
What to know before use: Mineral oil is generally recognized as safe at low levels used in supplements, but excessive intake may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, so chronic large doses 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.
