Charcoal is a fine, black powder made from wood or other natural materials by heating them in an airless environment. Charcoal used for health conditions is usually “activated” to make it a very fine powder, which increases its effectiveness. Activated charcoal can chemically attach, or adsorb, to a variety of particles and gases, which makes it ideal for removing potentially toxic substances from the digestive tract. Activated charcoal is not absorbed into the body, so it carries adsorbed substances out of the body in the faeces.
Where is it found?
Charcoal used for health conditions is pure carbon made from wood, bamboo, coconut shells, or other organic material.
Charcoal has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
| Science Ratings | Health Concerns |
|---|---|
 |
Indigestion (for intestinal wind symptoms) |
 Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit. |
|
How much is usually taken?
In cases of poisoning, 50 to 100 grams is given to adults, while children receive lower doses of 10 to 25 grams.1 However, since some poisons are not effectively adsorbed by activated charcoal, consult with local poison control centres or emergency services to determine whether charcoal should be used. Amounts used for other conditions range from 500 to 1,000 mg per day for preventing intestinal wind to 4 to 32 grams per day for lowering blood cholesterol.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Charcoal will turn the stools black, and may lead to diarrhoea or constipation in some people. No other adverse effects have been reported.
People with a rare disease called variegate porphyria who were given activated charcoal experienced a worsening of their condition.2 Until more research is available, people with variegate porphyria should not take activated charcoal.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with calcium.
References
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
