Side Effects of Miralax, Similar Laxatives May Increase Risk of Dementia, Study Warns

The use of multiple types of laxatives was linked with a 90% increased risk of dementia, according to the findings

The findings of new research suggests those who frequently use laxatives may face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia later in life, which may be a side effect of products like Miralax, Ex-Lax and others, which promote intestinal toxins.

The study was published online last week by the American Academy of Neurology in the medical journal Neurology, indicating routine use of laxatives was associated with more than 50% increased dementia risk, when compared to those who never used the drugs.

Laxatives are medicines used to help relieve constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by difficulty passing stools. There are two classes of the drugs, which are categorized as either bulk-forming or osmotic laxatives.

Bulk-forming laxatives are formulated with fiber to soak up water in the intestines to create a larger volume of stool, thus causing the bowel to contract and easier passage. Osmotic laxatives are designed to attract water to the colon to provide additional lubrication for easier passage through the bowels.

While many of the drugs are sold over-the-counter under brand names such as Miralax, Ex-Lax and others, they can also be prescribed with higher strengths to patients with chronic bowel conditions. Some of the most common prescription brands of laxatives include Constulose and Enulose.

According to the study, individuals who regularly used either type of laxative face an elevated risk of developing dementia when compared to those who never used the drugs.

Researchers from the UK reviewed data collected from 502,229 individuals between the ages of 40 to 69 years old who had no prior history of dementia. Of the participants, 18,235 reported using laxatives most days of the week.

After an average follow up of 9.8 years, researchers discovered that 218 (1.3%) participants with regular use of laxatives and 1,969 (0.4%) with no regular use developed all-cause dementia. Researchers further identified the risk of both all-cause dementia and vascular dementia increased when individuals mixed the use of laxatives types, or solely used osmotic laxatives, like Miralax.

Specifically, the study found individuals taking only osmotic laxatives faced a 64% increased risk of dementia, while those taking two or more types of laxatives faced a 90% increased risk.

Researchers determined that while the results of the study do not prove that laxatives cause dementia, the data indicates there is a strong association between side effects of laxatives and the onset of the condition.

The authors noted that the use of laxatives are typically only intended for short terms unless otherwise directed by a doctor, however many individuals may be unaware of this, causing them to unknowingly overuse the drugs, which could put them at an increased risk of developing dementia.