Health Risks May Outweigh Alleged Activated Charcoal Health Benefits

Although many makers of activated charcoal products claim that the substance is a natural detoxifier capable of filtering harmful poisons from the body, activated charcoal health benefits may be minimal, and the substance may even lead to harmful side effects.

What is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is charcoal that has been put through a process where oxygen and other gases are added to the charcoal at high temperatures. The addition of these gases results in the creation of pores on the charcoal, creating a high surface area that allows the substance to bind to other substances. These pores soak up fluid and bind to toxins, preventing the body from absorbing them.

Activated charcoal may be used medically as an emergency method to absorb drugs after an overdose, or to counteract poisons. However, the use of activated charcoal in an emergency medical setting is different than the use of charcoal to cleanse and detoxify the body of regular toxins.

Most people’s livers and kidneys filter toxins from the body on a daily basis, rendering activated charcoal health benefits unnecessary. While many consumers may know that activated charcoal has a legitimate medical use, and assume that a smaller dose of charcoal in products such as ice cream, toothpaste, or coffee may be healthy, this substance may actually result in negative
health side effects.

Activated Charcoal Health Benefits and Side Effects

According to Healthline, activated charcoal health benefits allegedly include detoxification, removal of teeth stains, anti-aging benefits, promotion of kidney function, reduction of cholesterol levels, water filtration, gas reduction, and hangover prevention. Some proponents of the substance also claim that it is antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal. However, these reported health benefits have little or no science to back them up.

According to a study from January 2019 about the effectiveness of teeth whitening agents, activated charcoal was found to be less effective than whitening agents including microbeads or hydrogen peroxide. Due to the lack of evidence linking activated charcoal with health benefits, New York has banned the sale of foods containing activated charcoal unless these products are approved by the FDA.

Additionally, it is possible that activated charcoal may also have negative health effects. Side effects of taking activated charcoal may include nausea, constipation, black stools, and bowel blockages. Brushing with toothpaste containing activated charcoal may destroy tooth enamel and leave particles behind in the gums and any fillings or crowns, leading to staining and a risk of infection.

Due to the binding properties of the substance, activated charcoal may also prevent some medications from being absorbed by the body. These consequences may include reduced effectiveness of medications for seizures or high blood pressure. The substance may also block the absorption of natural minerals and vitamins, leading to malnutrition. Pulmonary aspiration or vomiting are also fairly common side effects of activated charcoal used medically.

Victims who have suffered from negative health effects due to consumption of activated charcoal products may be eligible to hire a qualified attorney and file a class action lawsuit regarding the unproven health benefits claims associated with activated charcoal.

Join a Free Activated Charcoal Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased activated charcoal products based on the advertised health benefits, you may qualify to join a this activated charcoal lawsuit investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.