By convention, specific symbols represent certain sample statistics. For example, 1  x refers to a sample mean. 2  s refers to the standard deviation of a sample. 3  s 2 refers to the variance of a sample. 4  p refers to the proportion of sample elements that have a particular attribute.
As the name implies, lubricant laxatives make stools slippery. The mineral oil within these products adds a slick layer to the intestine's walls and stops the stool from drying out. Though highly effective, lubricant laxatives are best used as a short-term cure for constipation. Over a longer period, mineral oil can absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the intestine, and decrease certain prescription drugs from being fully absorbed into the body.
As this article will explain, mineral oil for constipation does not constitute a clear-cut case of a constipation remedy that is both natural and safe to use in the long run. First, we will explain what mineral oil is exactly â a derivative of petroleum. Not exactly what you can call a safe product to ingest.ineral oil works in the following way: 1  It acts as a thin layer of insulation that coats your intestinal mucosa. 2  That layer prevents fluids from being reabsorbed from the stools into your body. 3  The stools thus remain moister. 4  It acts as a lubricant.