eShop
You may have seen activated charcoal in lots of places lately. That black ice cream cone? Charcoal. Dark, gothic looking lattes? Charcoal. Black toothpaste? Charcoal. Black face masks? Also charcoal.
What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal can be made from coconut shells, peat, coal, olive pits, sawdust, or bone char. It is then exposed to extremely high temperatures, which creates an exceptionally porous substance with high surface area. Due to the high surface area, and porous nature, activated charcoal easily binds to substances in the gastrointestinal track. This binding decreases absorption of those substances.
While this internet sensation looks visually appealing, there are numerous health benefits touted as well.
The internet tells us that activated charcoal can:
Be used as a treatment for poisoning and overdoses
Reduce bloating and gas
Decrease your blood cholesterol levels
Treat bile flow problems
Prevent hangovers
Improve kidney function
Trap “toxins”
Whiten teeth
Be used for mold cleansing (this is apparently mold that grows in your body and can cause depression, kidney and liver failure, decreased brain function, heart disease, eye irritation, headache, vomiting, impaired immune system, and severe respiratory distress)
Provide anti-aging properties
Be used as a digestive cleanse
Let’s take a look at the research.
In terms of poisoning and overdoses
Activated charcoal is indeed used in the hospital setting as a treatment for overdoses and poisoning. According to Mayo Clinic, the activated charcoal helps to prevent certain poisons from being absorbed into the body. Several doses of activated charcoal may be needed to treat more severe poisoning.
Most importantly, both the Poison Control Center and Mayo Clinic state that activated charcoal should only be taken when directed by the Poison Control Center, a physician, or in the emergency room. There are very specific dosages, timing, and medication interactions which require professional experience.
There is sufficient research to support the use of activated charcoal for overdoses and poisoning but only under the supervision of a professional.
Let’s take a look at the kidney function claim
The current research available for this claim only looks at patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. The National Kidney Foundation does not support supplementing with activated charcoal and no further evidence was found to support this claim.
In conclusion, evidence to support of use of activated charcoal for kidney disease is weak. More research needs to be done before supplementing with activated charcoal in order to improve kidney function.
What about teeth whitening?
Some claim that using charcoal toothpaste will decrease cavities and provide antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and oral detoxification properties. However, in a 2017 review by the Journal of the American Dental Association, there was insufficient clinical and laboratory data to support the safety and efficacy of using charcoal-based toothpaste. They concluded that there is a need for larger and better-designed studies in order to make such a claim. They also encouraged dentistry professionals to use cautiously with patients who wish to use charcoal products.
Summary: Don’t use charcoal-based toothpaste!
What about reducing gas and bloating?
There has been talk that taking activated charcoal with food helps to decrease gas. There are mixed results for studies regarding charcoal and gas production. One study found that supplementation with activated charcoal and magnesium oxide improved symptoms of indigestion such as abdominal bloating.
However, there is not enough evidence to support this claim.
What about the rest of the claims?
Decrease your blood cholesterol levels
Treat bile flow problems
Prevent hangovers
Be used for mold cleansing (this is apparently mold that grows in your body and can cause depression, kidney and liver failure, decreased brain function, heart disease, eye irritation, headache, vomiting, impaired immune system, and severe respiratory distress)
Provide anti-aging properties
The rest of the above claims didn’t have any scientific-basis behind them. Thus, while some may claim that activated charcoal has improved these problems, there is no science to support them.
Is taking activated charcoal safe?
This study explains that activated charcoal is not just particular to “toxins” and will simply bind and excrete anything in the digestive tract, in particular vitamins and minerals. Additionally, this study states that activated charcoal may bind to certain medications and render them less effective.
How much to take?
Consumer Reports explains that the dosage given in the emergency room is typically 100–200 times the amount you would get in a supplement form over-the-counter. However, if you thinking of taking a charcoal supplement, absolutely consult your physician first.
Dietitian recommendations:
Tips to reduce gas and bloating:
Focus on whole foods, with an emphasis on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein. If you are consuming beans, make sure you soak them before you eat them! If you consuming a sugar-free gum, try taking a break for a few days.
To whiten teeth:
Talk to your dentist about a safe and scientifically-proven method.
To improve skin:
Eat lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Perform some sort of physical activity and drink lots of water. See a dermatologist for further questions.
To detox:
You already have that covered! Your built-in kidneys and liver do a great job.
For any other questions regarding activated charcoal, or any other diet claim you may hear, please consult your Harmons dietitians!