Can Humans Consume Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth? What You Need to Know

Did you know that diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of ancient aquatic organisms called diatoms? While often used for pest control and filtration, many people wonder: can humans consume food grade diatomaceous earth? The answer involves understanding its composition, evaluating purported health benefits, and prioritizing safety above all else.

Quick Summary

Food grade diatomaceous earth can be ingested, but not all grades are safe. Safety hinges on using pure food-grade amorphous silica, avoiding inhalation, and understanding that purported benefits are largely unproven by science.

Key Points

• Food Grade is Amorphous Silica: Safe for human consumption in small amounts due to its non-crystalline structure and minimal heavy metal content.

• Inhalation is Dangerous: Inhaling diatomaceous earth dust, especially the crystalline form, can cause severe lung damage and silicosis.

• Benefits Are Largely Anecdotal: Many health claims regarding detoxification, cholesterol, and beauty are not backed by sufficient scientific research.

• FDA Doesn't Regulate as a Supplement: The FDA has not evaluated diatomaceous earth as a dietary supplement, so products are not guaranteed to be safe or effective for this purpose.

• Consume With Caution: Follow product usage instructions, mix thoroughly with liquid to avoid inhalation, and stay hydrated.

• Consult a Doctor: It is critical to speak with a healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on other medications.

• Distinguish Between Grades: Always confirm the product is certified food grade and not filter or pool grade, which is highly toxic.

What is Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth?

Food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine, white, sedimentary powder that consists of the fossilized remains of microscopic aquatic creatures known as diatoms. The shells of these diatoms are primarily composed of amorphous silica. This is a crucial distinction, as the method of processing determines the level of crystalline silica, which is harmful to inhale. For a product to be sold as food grade, it must contain less than 1% crystalline silica and adhere to strict heavy metal content specifications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes food-grade DE as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) for use as an indirect food additive, such as a filtering agent, not as a dietary supplement.

The Chemical Composition: Amorphous vs. Crystalline

The fundamental difference between safe, food-grade DE and its industrial counterpart lies in its chemical structure, specifically the form of silica it contains. Food grade DE is composed of amorphous silica, a non-crystalline form that is considered relatively benign. However, industrial-grade or pool-grade DE is subjected to high heat in a process called calcination, which transforms the silica into a sharp, crystalline form. This crystalline silica is exceptionally harmful if inhaled and is intended only for industrial applications like water filtration.

Alleged Health Benefits of Consuming Diatomaceous Earth

Marketers and proponents of food-grade DE often attribute various health benefits to its consumption, many of which are anecdotal or based on limited scientific evidence. It is important to approach these claims with a healthy dose of skepticism and to consult a healthcare provider before use.

• Detoxification and Digestive Health: It is claimed that the porous structure and negative electrical charge of DE can attract and trap harmful pathogens, heavy metals, and parasites in the digestive tract, aiding in their removal. Some believe it can act as a colon cleanser, regulating bowel movements and reducing bloating. While DE is effective as a water filter for removing heavy metals, no human research has confirmed this mechanism translates to a meaningful detoxifying effect within the human digestive system.
• Cholesterol Management: A small, uncontrolled study conducted in 1998 on 19 individuals showed that DE consumption was associated with a decrease in total and LDL cholesterol. However, without a control group, these findings cannot conclusively link the observed changes directly to DE consumption, and more research is necessary.
• Support for Hair, Skin, and Nails: As a concentrated source of silica, DE is often promoted for strengthening hair, skin, and nails, as silica plays a role in the formation of collagen and connective tissue. While silica is an essential mineral, the body's ability to absorb it from food-grade DE is not well understood, and scientific evidence for this specific benefit is limited.

Risks and Safety Precautions

Despite being generally safe for consumption in small amounts, there are significant risks and important safety considerations to be aware of.

• The Severe Danger of Inhalation: The most critical safety concern is the inhalation of DE dust. The microscopic particles can irritate and damage lung tissue. Long-term exposure to crystalline silica can cause silicosis, a serious and potentially fatal lung disease. Though food-grade DE contains minimal crystalline silica, proper precautions should always be taken to avoid inhaling any fine dust.
• Potential Digestive Side Effects: When first starting, some individuals report mild side effects like headaches, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms. This is sometimes referred to as a "die-off" effect, though it lacks scientific backing. If persistent symptoms occur, it's advised to stop and consult a doctor.
• No FDA Regulation as a Supplement: The FDA does not regulate DE as a dietary supplement, so there is no guarantee of a product's safety, effectiveness, or purity. It's crucial to purchase from reputable sources.
• Drug Interactions and Special Populations: DE may interfere with the absorption of other medications or supplements. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid use due to insufficient safety information.

Comparison of Diatomaceous Earth Grades

Feature	Food Grade	Filter/Pool Grade
Composition	Primarily amorphous silica.	High concentration of crystalline silica.
Processing	Minimally processed; uncalcined.	Heated (calcined) at high temperatures.
Heavy Metals	Very low levels (<10 mg/kg arsenic/lead).	Higher potential for impurities.
Safety (Ingestion)	Generally recognized as safe in small amounts.	Toxic. Should never be ingested.
Safety (Inhalation)	Can cause irritation; avoid dust.	Extremely Hazardous. Can cause silicosis.
Primary Use	Supplement, food additive, pest control.	Industrial filtration (pools, water).

How to Consume Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth Safely

For those who choose to consume food grade diatomaceous earth, following a cautious approach is key to minimizing risks.

1. Always Purchase Certified Food-Grade: Only buy products explicitly labeled as "food grade" from a trusted and reputable supplier. The label should indicate less than 1% crystalline silica.
2. Follow Dosage Instructions: Adhere to the recommended dosage provided by the manufacturer or a healthcare professional.
3. Mix with Liquid or Soft Food: As DE does not dissolve, it should be mixed with water, juice, or a smoothie and stirred vigorously immediately before drinking to prevent settling. The mixture will have a gritty texture. It can also be added to soft foods like yogurt or applesauce.
4. Avoid Inhaling Dust: Exercise extreme care when handling the powder to avoid creating and inhaling dust.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as DE is very absorbent.
6. Consult a Professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medication.

Conclusion

While humans can technically consume food grade diatomaceous earth, the decision to do so should be made with caution and a clear understanding of the facts. The distinction between the safe, amorphous food-grade product and the toxic, crystalline industrial-grade product is paramount. Although anecdotal reports praise its benefits for gut health, detoxification, and physical appearance, the scientific evidence to support these claims is currently very limited. The primary and most serious risk associated with DE is the danger of inhaling its fine dust, which can lead to severe respiratory issues like silicosis. For those considering its use, it is essential to purchase only certified food-grade products, follow recommended usage guidelines, and consult a healthcare professional. Ultimately, while it may be harmless to ingest, the widely promoted health benefits remain largely unproven.

For more in-depth scientific literature on silica's role in the body, consider resources like the National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between food grade and filter grade diatomaceous earth?

The main difference is the type of silica and processing. Food grade is primarily amorphous silica with less than 1% crystalline silica, while filter grade is calcined at high heat, resulting in a high concentration of dangerous crystalline silica.

Is it safe to inhale food grade diatomaceous earth dust?

No, it is not safe to inhale any diatomaceous earth dust. Even food-grade dust can irritate the lungs. Inhaling crystalline silica from industrial grades is extremely dangerous and can cause a lung disease called silicosis.

What are the claimed benefits of ingesting food grade DE?

Advocates claim it can detoxify the body by trapping pathogens and heavy metals, aid digestion, reduce cholesterol, and improve hair, skin, and nail health due to its silica content. However, most of these claims lack robust scientific evidence.

How should I consume food grade DE?

It is typically mixed with liquid, such as water, juice, or a smoothie. Because it doesn't dissolve, you must stir it vigorously and drink it immediately. Some also mix it into soft foods like yogurt or applesauce.

What is the appropriate dosage for consuming food grade DE?

There is no universally accepted dosage, and it is not a regulated supplement. It is important to follow the usage instructions provided by the manufacturer or consult with a healthcare professional.

Can food grade DE help with detoxification?

While DE can filter out heavy metals from water, there is no scientific evidence to prove that this detoxifying mechanism works within the human digestive system. Your body has its own natural detoxification processes.

Should pregnant or breastfeeding women take food grade DE?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. There is not enough reliable information about its safety for these populations, so it is best to avoid it.

Can diatomaceous earth interfere with other medications?

Yes, it is possible for diatomaceous earth to interfere with the absorption of medications and supplements. You should consult a doctor before starting to take DE, especially if you are on any other medications.