The Origin and Spread of the MRE Gum Myth
The legend of the laxative MRE gum is a classic piece of military folklore, born from the unique circumstances of field rationing. Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) have long been a source of jokes and stories, and for good reason—their shelf-stable, high-calorie nature often leads to digestive irregularity, particularly constipation, in those who consume them exclusively for extended periods. As a natural response, stories and rumors arose to explain away these gastrointestinal issues. The gum, a small and seemingly innocuous item within the ration pack, became an easy scapegoat. It was often jokingly, or sometimes seriously, passed down from seasoned soldiers to new recruits as a warning or a challenge.
Over the years, the rumor has morphed and spread, with variations claiming the gum was either a potent, fast-acting laxative or a mild one intended to keep things 'moving'. The story became a convenient explanation for a widespread and uncomfortable symptom. The internet has since provided a platform for veterans and current service members to share their stories, further cementing the myth in military culture, despite official debunking.
The Real Purpose of MRE Gum: Oral Hygiene
The truth behind the gum is far less dramatic and entirely based on practical necessity. The gum included in MREs is primarily intended to promote oral health and hygiene in situations where soldiers do not have access to a toothbrush or toothpaste. The military recognized that prolonged field operations could lead to poor dental hygiene, which has significant health implications beyond just bad breath. Chewing sugar-free gum, especially one containing xylitol, has proven benefits for dental health.
The Role of Xylitol
The inclusion of xylitol is the key piece of evidence that both debunks the myth and explains its origins. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol known to have a mild, dose-dependent laxative effect if consumed in large quantities. However, the amount of xylitol in a standard MRE gum packet (typically two tablets) is minuscule and would require an excessive amount to cause any significant gastrointestinal distress. For an average person, it would take chewing dozens of pieces of MRE gum in a single day to even risk a mild laxative effect. The real laxative effect is simply a misinterpretation of a known side effect of a beneficial dental ingredient.
MRE Gum vs. Commercial Sugar-Free Gum
To better understand why the gum is not an intentional laxative, a comparison to commercial sugar-free gums is helpful. While both use sugar alcohols, the context and dosage are vastly different.
| Feature | MRE Gum | Commercial Sugar-Free Gum | Typical Context | Potential Laxative Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Oral hygiene in field conditions. | Flavor, breath freshening, dental health. | Military field operations, emergency rations. | Very unlikely, requires consuming dozens of packets. |
| Key Sweetener | Xylitol. | Sorbitol, Xylitol, Maltitol, etc.. | Everyday consumer use. | Possible with excessive consumption (e.g., more than a pack a day). |
| Packaging | Small, sealed packet with 1-2 tablets. | Multi-piece packs (e.g., 10-14 sticks or pieces). | Standard retail packaging. | More likely due to higher quantities of sugar alcohols per pack and more frequent consumption. |
| Consumption | Infrequent, as rations are consumed. | Frequent, often multiple times a day. | Chewed to relieve dry mouth or after meals. | Higher risk with habitual, high-volume chewing. |
Why MREs Still Cause Digestive Issues
The myth persists largely because the overall MRE diet can indeed cause gastrointestinal issues. The real culprits are the high calorie, low-fiber nature of the rations, which are designed for maximum energy in a compact format. This dense caloric intake, combined with limited hydration and the physical stress of deployment, can significantly impact a soldier's digestive system. The effect is famously referred to by various nicknames like "Meals Refusing to Exit". Some of the items in older MREs, like the crackers, actually contained higher vegetable content to help with digestion, though this was not always enough. Swallowing excessive air while chewing any gum can also cause bloating and discomfort, further confusing the issue for those experiencing generalized gastrointestinal distress.
Conclusion
The belief that MRE gum is a laxative is a durable piece of military folklore, but it is ultimately untrue. The gum's inclusion in military rations is for the very practical purpose of promoting oral hygiene, not for regulating a soldier's bowels. The mild laxative effect of its xylitol sweetener is only realized in doses far higher than those found in an MRE packet, and any digestive distress associated with MREs is much more likely due to the high-calorie, low-fiber nature of the rations themselves. So, while the myth may be an amusing part of military culture, it's one that deserves to be put to rest with the facts. For more information on the history and science behind military rations, see this article from Military.com: The Wild Science of Military MRE Meals.
Putting the Myth to Rest: MRE Gum Facts
- Dental Health Focus: The gum's primary role is to protect a service member's teeth when brushing is not an option.
- Xylitol is the Key: The gum contains xylitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause a laxative effect, but only in extremely large quantities.
- Dosage is Too Small: A single MRE gum packet contains a dose of xylitol too low to trigger significant digestive issues.
- Constipation Comes from the Ration: Gastrointestinal problems associated with MREs are more likely a result of the rations' low-fiber content and overall density.
- Air Swallowing Factor: Chewing any gum, including MRE gum, can cause bloating by increasing the amount of air swallowed.
- Myth Has Deep Roots: The laxative rumor is a long-standing piece of military lore, passed down through generations of service members.
- Official Sources Debunk It: Public affairs officers and other military officials have officially confirmed the gum is not a laxative.
MRE Gum and Digestive Health: A Q&A
Q: Does MRE gum have a laxative in it? A: No, MRE gum is not designed or intended to be a laxative. This is a long-standing myth within the military.
Q: What is the purpose of the gum in MREs? A: The gum's main purpose is to help maintain oral hygiene when brushing teeth is not practical or possible in the field.
Q: Is it true that xylitol has a laxative effect? A: Yes, xylitol, a sweetener found in MRE gum, can have a laxative effect, but only when consumed in very large amounts. The amount in an MRE packet is far too small.
Q: How many pieces of MRE gum would I have to chew to experience a laxative effect? A: According to Task & Purpose, an average soldier would need to chew at least 90 pieces in a day to potentially cause diarrhea-like symptoms.
Q: Why do soldiers often experience digestive issues when eating MREs? A: Gastrointestinal problems are more likely a result of the low-fiber, high-calorie nature of MREs, which can cause constipation. Field stress and dehydration can also contribute.
Q: Could chewing gum in general cause stomach problems? A: Yes. Chewing gum can lead to swallowing excess air, which can cause bloating and discomfort. For individuals with sensitive digestive systems, this can worsen symptoms.
Q: Is there any scientific evidence supporting the MRE gum laxative myth? A: No, scientific evidence and official military statements directly refute this myth. The belief stems from an exaggeration of a known side effect of a key ingredient and a misunderstanding of MRE-related digestive issues.
Q: What about the Military Energy Gum (MEG)? Is that a laxative? A: Military Energy Gum is a separate, caffeinated product, and is not the standard gum found in regular MREs. It is also not a laxative, though excessive consumption of its ingredients could potentially cause issues.
Citations
[1] Accetta, David. "Does MRE Gum Really Contain Laxatives?" Task & Purpose, 9 Mar. 2017, https://taskandpurpose.com/culture/mre-gum-really-make-soldiers-poop/. [2] Army.mil. "Army researchers dug into the effects of MREs on gut health, here's what they discovered." Army.mil, 26 Sep. 2019, https://www.army.mil/article/227225/army_researchers_dug_into_the_effects_of_mres_on_gut_health_heres_what_they_discovered. [3] Mäkinen, K. K. "Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol." National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov), 28 Oct. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5093271/. [4] Task & Purpose. "Does MRE gum make you poop? The world of Meals, Ready to Eat explained." Task & Purpose, 2 May 2024, https://taskandpurpose.com/culture/meal-ready-eat-mre-explained/. [5] Food Assets. "Why do we NOT recommend MRE's?" Food Assets, https://foodassets.com/info/why-do-we-not-recommend-mres.html. [6] Gas-X. "Does Chewing Gum Make You Bloated? What Causes Gas Pain." Gas-X, https://www.gas-x.com/living-with-gas-and-bloating/does-chewing-gum-cause-gas/.
