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Activated Charcoal (Food Grade)
Activated Charcoal is highly processed carbon with small or negligible sized pores created, by design, to increase surface area in order to allow for the adsorption process. Different from regular charcoal, medicinal-grade crosses an activation process whereby it must be heated at high temperatures after allowing activation agent entrance. This process creates this mass internal tunnel-network of “traps” interceding by binding onto these toxins and chemicals in the gut, thereby preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. It is a classic treatment in emergency toxicology and a well-known remedy for acute colitis.
Therapeutic Uses & Benefits
Emergency Treatment for External Decontamination: Helps trap, before they enter the systemic circulation, toxic substances entering the gut from drugs and specific oral poisoning.
Antiflatulent: Reduces bloating by binding excessive gas in digestive tract.
Cholesterol: Some trials have proposed that charcoal can bind to bile acids and cholesterol in the gut, thus reducing the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL).
Kidney: It may help in the removal of undigested toxins and urea, especially useful in case of chronic kidney disease.
Water: Special filters intended to eliminate heavy metals as well as fluoride from drinking water.
The Product Details
Form(s): It is marketed as Cap, Tab, and Pow.
Only Active Ingredient: X USP/IP grade Activated Carbon.
Action: Adsorbent (remember, not absorbent).
Trade Names: Charcoal 250 mg, Gastone, Carbactive.
How to Use
Gas/Bloating: Dose 500 to 1000 mg of charcoal at least an hour before a meal that causes them with a glass of water.
Emergencies: Must be given with close medical supervision. Dosages must be calculated according to the patient’s weight. For adults, a dose typically ranges from 25 g to 100 g.
Hydration: Remember to drink lots of water along with your charcoal to prevent constipation.
Safety Information
Drug Interactions: Activated charcoal “catches” things so effectively that regular medications may not be absorbed into your body. Take charcoal either two hours before or after other medications.
Black Stool: The black color of the stools when taking this medication is entirely normal and is no cause for worry.
Absolute Contraindications: This should not be used when there is a bowel obstruction, a case of sluggish motility within the gut, or when the ingestion of something highly corrosive had taken place, such as lye or strong acid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can activated charcoal alleviate alcohol hangovers?
Activated charcoal is provided as a cure-all for the hangover, however, it does not actually work to absorb alcohol (ethanol); consequently, if an alcohol hangover is a concern, activated charcoal can actually benefit in removing other toxins obtained when the ethanol is consumed with those other substances aggravating stomach issues.
Q: It is said that this “Activated Carbon” is the very same as the coal we use for grilling.
No, never consume charcoal used for cooking purposes for it has toxic additives and chemicals. Hence, only products labelled as “Medicinal Grade” or “Activated Charcoal USP” are to be used.
Q: Its reaction with contraceptive pills?
Yes, activated charcoal is an adsorbent, and it can bind with the hormones in contraceptive pills, thus making them ineffective. Therefore, in case you are taking charcoal, always use an alternative birth control method at this time.
Q: Can I use it for teeth whitening?
Indeed, one could use charcoal tooth powder as a method for lifting surface stains, as many people resort to using it—but the powder is also abrasive. Using more than necessary might disintegrate tooth enamel. So, always see a dentist before using it in place of a regular dental product.
Q: How long does it actually stay in your system?
Activated charcoal is never absorbed by your body. It stays inside the digestive tract for a certain unspecified period of time, and it will walk out through the back door of your anus, while carrying various toxins along the way.
Expert Storing Tips
Keep it in a tightly closed container in a dry area. Activated charcoal is very efficient in alleviating moisture and odors from the air, which in case it might lose some of its medicinal powers when left exposed.
Disclaimer: The information presented is for educational purposes. If there is any suspected poisoning or overdose incident, immediately contact an emergency service or poison control center.
