Absorption of PEG

[Guest guest]

Hi

I raised the query a couple of weeks ago about finding research that

Macrogel 3350 is absorbed by the body, particularly for those who have

leaky gut.

I have just received a letter from my 4 year old son's Paediatrician &

it states:

" I have discussed your concerns regarding constipation with the

hospital team. We would recommend that Movicol (UK equivalent of

Miralax) being an isotonic solution is the preferred option. It

therefore leaves fluid in the bowel and softens the stool. The PEG3350

polymer in Movicol is inert, with only 0.01-0.02% being absorbed. This

is then excreted in the urine unchanged. "

I wish that I could believe this Dr as it would appear that my son's

issues with constipation would be over if I continued to give him this

medication. However, after issues surrounding my son's diagnosis of

Fragile X syndrome, I have chosen to question everything she says!

We still have our specialist appointment in a 4 weeks time & I am still

collating info that I think may help prove my point when I am asked to

follow their procedures & give him 8 sachets of this stuff a day - to

clear him out.

Can anyone help me interpret what the Paed means in the above? Is she

really condoning this med? I don't understand how PEG can leave fluid

in the bowel if the way it works is to draw water to it to allow the

stool to pass? What does she mean by the polymer is inert? & what is an

isotonic solution? How can it be excreted into the urine unchanged if

some of it (however small) has been absorbed & surely ANY absorption is

not good (especially if you are already pre-disposed to learning

disabilities from a genetic cause).

Forgive me for being so vague - I am new to all this & still trying to

get my head around these issues aswell as dealing with the daily

complications of Fragile X.

Many thanks

Nerina in sunny but cold Edinburgh, UK