Miralax is a laxative that is meant for adults who experience occasional constipation. However, many pediatricians recommend it for children even though there are no studies proving its safety for this age group.
What is Miralax?
The active ingredient in MiraLAX is Polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350). This ingredient is made by stringing together molecules of ethylene glycol into a large polymer chain, hence the prefix poly-, Greek for many. On its own, ethylene glycol is used in automotive antifreeze and brake fluid. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, it is an extremely toxic substance:
“Ethylene glycol is chemically broken down in the body into toxic compounds. It and its toxic byproducts first affect the central nervous system (CNS), then the heart, and finally the kidneys. Ingestion of sufficient amounts [as little as 30 ml — KM] can be fatal.” (1)
Technically, PEG is an osmotic laxative. Because of this property, it blocks the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Its extended use may result in severe malnutrition-related disorders, particularly in young children and older adults.
On top of the mucosal membrane damage, a high osmotic gradient of polyethylene glycol solution decimates intestinal bacteria just as mercilessly as antibacterial soaps, antibiotics, or heavy metals.
The resulting lack of intestinal bacteria is dysbiosis. Dysbiosis reduces primary immunity, causes a broad range of neurological and blood disorders, makes occasional constipation chronic and more severe, ensures lifelong dependence on laxatives, and is behind ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and colorectal cancer. (2)
According to a New York Times article in 2015, “The agency has asked a team of scientists in Philadelphia to look more closely at the active ingredient in Miralax and similar generic products, called polyethylene glycol 3350, or PEG 3350. While outlining the scope of the research, the agency also disclosed that its scientists had discovered trace amounts of two potential toxins in batches of Miralax tested six years ago.” (3)
It goes on to say that, “Doctors have long recommended these laxatives for their convenience and on the grounds that very little PEG 3350 is absorbed in the intestines. But the F.D.A. says there is little data on its absorption in children, especially the very young and chronically constipated. The agency never approved long-term daily use of the laxatives, even in adults.”
In fact, batches of Miralax were tested in 2008 by the FDA and was found to have small amounts of ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG), ingredients in antifreeze, in all of them.
It was tested again in 2013 from 5 different makers and was found to comply with international safety standards. This doesn’t mean that EG and DEG were not present in the batches tested. It just means that the amounts were in accordance with FDA standards.
The FDA considers the laxatives “safe to use in accordance with approved labeling” — that is, only by adults for not longer than seven days.
But what about Miralax for children?
Medications containing PEG 3350 are not labeled for use in anyone under 17, but MiraLAX is often recommended off-label by pediatricians to treat chronic constipation in children, sometimes for extended periods of time, even though the label advises “use no more than 7 days.”
Parent’s concern over the danger of PEG 3350 in Miralax has been growing exponentially in the last few years. In fact, there is a Facebook group with over 23k members called Parents Against Miralax (PEG 3350). Even with these growing concerns, Miralax is still commonly recommended by pediatricians. If you are considering this OTC stool softener for your child, I highly recommend that you do your research and exhaust all other options.
The good news is there are a lot of safe alternatives to laxatives and stool softeners for occasional or chronic constipation! Stay tuned!
I have helped a lot of parents wanting to stop the use of Miralax for their children and support healthy daily bowel movements naturally!
To address and resolve the underlying cause of constipation for you or your children, please contact me at dana@thrivekin.com.
Questions? Just ask!
Questions? Just ask!
Want to work with me 1:1 to create the perfect diet for you and/or your family? Contact me today at dana@thrivekin.com.
Sources:
1. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), “ETHYLENE GLYCOL : Systemic Agent,” The Emergency Response Safety and Health Database, last reviewed May 12, 2011, accessed January 16, 2013