Benefits and Risks of Taking Activated Charcoal Supplements

What is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is a fine, odorless, black powder made from materials like coconut shells, wood, coal, or peat. The charcoal is "activated" by processing it at very high temperatures. This creates an incredibly porous material, with a very large surface area for substances to bind to.

It has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Today it is widely used to treat poisoning and certain drug overdoses. It prevents poisons and toxic substances from being absorbed from your gut into the bloodstream.

How Does Activated Charcoal Work?

Activated charcoal works through the chemical process of adsorption. When toxic substances or gases come in contact with the charcoal surface, they stick or bind to it through weak chemical interactions like van der Waals forces.

The porous surface of activated charcoal contains countless pores and tunnels, giving it an extremely large surface area for binding. One teaspoon of activated charcoal powder can have the surface area of a football field!

Common Uses of Activated Charcoal

Here are some of the most common uses of activated charcoal today:

• Treating acute poisoning or overdose - it binds toxins until they can be eliminated from the body
• Helping prevent hangovers by binding alcohol byproducts
• Cleansing the digestive tract
• Whitening teeth
• Filtering water
• Improving kidney function in those with chronic kidney disease
• Reducing uncomfortable gas and bloating

Edible Activated Charcoal

Edible versions of activated charcoal are made solely from coconut shells. They are finely ground into powder for easy consumption. These edible forms are widely available as a health supplement.

Benefits of Consuming Activated Charcoal

There are several proposed benefits to consuming edible activated charcoal products:

• Detoxification - Charcoal may help rid your body of some environmental toxins and mold
• Intestinal health - It can help rid your intestines of excess gas and promote bowel movements
• Anti-aging - It clears toxins and cellular debris which may slow aging
• Skin health - Charcoal clears toxins and oils which contribute to acne

Using Activated Charcoal as a Supplement

Edible charcoal supplements come in pill or powder form. It is important to take as recommended:

• Capsules - Typical dose is about 500 mg per capsule
• Powder - Usually mixed with water, juice, or smoothies

Be sure to take on an empty stomach by waiting 90 minutes after your last meal. Large doses can cause constipation and black stools.

Does Charcoal Absorb Nutrients?

One downside is that activated charcoal does not discriminate - it absorbs nutrients along with toxins and poisons. For this reason, it is essential to separate doses from meals.

Avoid consuming vitamins, supplements, or prescription medications within about 2 hours of taking charcoal. It may absorb a portion of their ingredients, rendering them ineffective.

Risks and Side Effects

When used appropriately at standard doses, activated charcoal is likely safe for most healthy adults. However, the following groups need to exercise caution with charcoal products:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Children
• Those with intestinal bleeding or blockages
• People with charcoal allergy
• Those taking prescription medications

Side Effects

Potential minor side effects of activated charcoal use include:

• Black stools
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Nausea
• Vomiting

These effects are generally mild at typical doses. You may be taking too much if side effects become severe or persistent.

Health and Drug Interactions

As mentioned previously, activated charcoal can bind to medications in your digestive tract. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, reducing their absorption and effectiveness.

To prevent this, separate your doses of medications and any vitamin/mineral supplements from your consumption of activated charcoal by at least 2 hours.

Those with intestinal bleeding or blockages should avoid supplemental charcoal altogether. It can worsen GERD symptoms as well.

The Bottom Line

Activated charcoal has been used for thousands of years to treat poisoning and medical conditions. Today, a food-grade version is widely available as a supplement.

Potential benefits for healthy users include detoxification, intestinal health, anti-aging effects, and healthier skin. However, reductions in nutrient absorption can also occur.

When taken correctly, activated charcoal is likely safe for most healthy adults. But some groups should exercise caution, including pregnant/nursing women, children, those taking medications, and those with certain chronic health conditions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.