Nutrition · From our archive
Is Activated Charcoal Safe to Use for Detoxification?
TWTaylor Wolfram, MS, RDN, LDN
· 1 min read
Written in 2017, 9 years ago. Food science changes, so check newer advice before you change your routine.
Nutritional Balance
Balanced Meal Nutrition Profile
Estimated nutrient density and satiety balance per serving against daily wellness targets.
- Dietary Fiber SupportDigestive wellness 38% daily goal
- Satiety DurationFullness without crashes 4.5 hours
- Blood Sugar StabilityLow glycemic curve Steady curve
- Prep SimplicityWeeknight ease Practical prep
Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health & USDA Dietary Guidelines.
Developed for medical use and generally prescribed to treat poisoning, activated charcoal is ingested to absorb harmful chemicals in the GI tract and stop the body from absorbing them. While it is effective in treating acute poisonings, it is not meant to be used as a routine supplement to bind unwanted “toxins” in the body.
There is no concrete evidence to support the use of activated charcoal to lower cholesterol, decrease flatulence, remedy hangovers or help the body “detox.” It can bind nutrients in the digestive tract, prevent absorption of prescribed medicines, lead to constipation and is not advisable for consumption without instruction from a medical provider.
Taylor Wolfram, MS, RDN, LDNTaylor Wolfram, MS, RDN, LDN, is a dietetics content manager at the Healthy Nutrition Academy and associate editor of Food & Nutrition.