US stores are running out of laxatives due to diet and work habits.
Laxative Shortage: A Growing Concern
Laxatives have recently joined the list of pharmaceutical products facing shortages in the United States, leaving many individuals struggling to find relief from constipation. The situation has reached such an alarming point that even experts are expressing their astonishment.
“It’s crazy to think that our collective bowel dysfunction problems have gotten so bad that we’re literally running out of stool softeners,”
Dr. George Pavlou, president of Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey, shared with Fox Business.
Factors Behind the Shortage
The primary cause of the laxative shortage seems to be the increasing demand for these products. Young Americans, particularly those aged 18 to 42, are purchasing more dietary supplements, including fiber and stool softeners. This surge in demand can be attributed, in part, to the influence of TikTok and its promotion of laxatives as a weight loss tool. Unfortunately, this trend may also indicate a rise in eating disorders among young women, who are the primary consumers of visual social media.
Additionally, changing work patterns, such as the shift to remote or hybrid work, may be contributing to the increased need for constipation relief among early career professionals. Working from home often leads to poorer diet and exercise habits, resulting in a more sedentary lifestyle.
“People are less likely to be commuting, walking around — so that definitely can cause or increase constipation,”
explained gastroenterology social media influencer Wendi LeBrett to Insider.
Furthermore, rising rates of anxiety and other mental health stressors could also be affecting society’s bowel habits. Even older generations are relying more on laxatives, which experts attribute to sub-optimal levels of dietary fiber.
Addressing the Issue
When faced with chronic constipation, it is advisable to prioritize increasing fiber intake through diet or supplements and incorporating regular exercise, rather than immediately resorting to laxatives. This approach, recommended by LeBrett, can help alleviate the problem without relying solely on medication.
It is worth noting that drug shortages have become increasingly common since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains. Alongside laxatives, essential pharmaceutical products like cardiac medications, cancer treatments, antibiotics, sterilized water, and saline solution are also experiencing shortages.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has recognized the severity of the drug shortage issue and has made it a top priority. They are considering multiple bills aimed at increasing the supply of “life-saving” medications, especially during public health emergencies or unexpected spikes in demand.
As of now, the three primary manufacturers of on-brand laxatives — Colace, Ducolax, and Miralax — have not responded to inquiries regarding the supply-side factors contributing to the problem.
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