Can Prune Juice be Dangerous?

I remember seeing this juice in cartoons when I was a kid and one of the characters would be tricked into it. However, I’ve never known what it is about the laxative that triggers such a harsh reaction in our bodies. I’ve seen things like the prune juice challenge (it’s gross), but I wonder how much is too much? I’m sure a small dose of prune juice is a fine beverage, but in what circumstances could it become harmful?

First, an overview of prune juice! Prune juice comes from processing prunes which are essentially dehydrated plums. This article states that the typical dried prune contains 6.1g of dietary fiber per 100g. Prunes also contain a high sorbitol content (a sweet, crystalline compound) which could explain the laxative function of the drink.  In 2013, WebMD discussed the pros and cons of consuming prune juice. The article points out that, “…dried plums contain many other beneficial compounds such as potassium, which is good for heart health, phenols (a class of antioxidant chemical compounds that seek out free radicals and can aid in cancer prevention), and a good amount of vitamin A, which helps to ensure good vision, skin, cellular health, and immune function.” So how could prune juice be bad for you?

The article goes on to warn against the over consumption of prune juice which can lead to chronic diarrhea. Since the juice does act as a laxative, it’s negative effects are limited to the gastrointestinal tract. Those who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (a disorder that effects the large intestine) are strongly advised to avoid the use of laxatives, including prune juice.

In summary, I was unable to find any promising articles that claimed prune juice could be severely harmful. But knowing the mild laxative effects of the juice, I will just say: drink responsibly.

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Other sources: PubMed

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