Charcoal
Alternative Medicine
The following information is specific for alternative and complementary medicine. For additional evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching the Healthwise Knowledgebase.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 feces.
Where is it found?
Charcoal used for health conditions is pure carbon made from wood, bamboo, coconut shells, or other organic material.
Health Concerns
Charcoal has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Rating Health Concerns High cholesterol
Indigestion (for intestinal gas 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.
An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Deficiency Symptoms
Who is likely to be deficient?
There is no human requirement for charcoal.
Dosage
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 centers 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 gas to 4 to 32 grams per day for lowering blood cholesterol.
Side Effects
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Charcoal will turn the stools black, and may lead to diarrhea 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
- Position statement and practice guidelines on the use of multi-dose activated charcoal in the treatment of acute poisoning. American Academy of Clinical Toxicology; European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1999;37:731-51.
- Hift RJ, Todd G, Meissner PN, Kirsch RE. Administration of oral activated charcoal in variegate porphyria results in a paradoxical clinical and biochemical deterioration. Br J Dermatol 2003;149:1266-9.
Last Review: 01-21-2009
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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 pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.
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| Health Concerns | |
| Deficiency Symptoms | |
| Dosage | |
| Side Effects | |
| References | |