Is it safe for humans to consume diatomaceous earth?

November 16, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the FDA, food-grade diatomaceous earth is generally recognized as safe for limited use as a food additive, but this does not mean it is suitable as a dietary supplement. The safety of consuming diatomaceous earth is highly dependent on its specific grade, and understanding this distinction is crucial for human health.

Quick Summary

The safety of ingesting diatomaceous earth depends entirely on its grade. Food-grade DE is considered safe for incidental consumption in small amounts, while filter-grade is highly toxic. Inhalation of any DE dust poses significant respiratory risks. Health benefits are largely anecdotal and not scientifically proven.

Key Points

Food-Grade vs. Filter-Grade: Only use food-grade DE for any form of human contact, as filter-grade contains high levels of toxic crystalline silica.
Inhalation Risk: All DE dust can cause respiratory irritation; filter-grade is highly dangerous to inhale due to silicosis risk.
Unproven Benefits: Health claims regarding detox, cholesterol, and hair/skin health are largely anecdotal and lack sufficient scientific backing.
Proper Consumption: If consuming, mix food-grade DE thoroughly with liquid and start with a small dosage to gauge tolerance.
Regulatory Status: The FDA recognizes food-grade DE as safe for incidental use in food but not as an approved dietary supplement.
Medical Consultation: Always speak with a doctor before using DE as a supplement, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a health condition.

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a naturally occurring, soft, fine, and porous powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic microorganisms called diatoms. These ancient organisms created a skeleton composed of natural silica. Over millions of years, these fossilized skeletons accumulated in lakebeds and seabeds, forming large deposits that are now mined and processed. The key to understanding DE's safety lies in its processing. There are two main types of DE: food-grade and filter-grade.

The Critical Difference: Food-Grade vs. Filter-Grade DE

Not all diatomaceous earth is created equal. The most crucial distinction for human safety is the processing method, which determines the concentration of crystalline silica. This is the difference between a product considered relatively harmless for incidental ingestion and a product that is highly toxic.

Food-grade diatomaceous earth: This DE is sourced from freshwater deposits and is minimally processed, meaning it retains its amorphous (non-crystalline) silica structure. Food-grade DE must meet strict purity standards and typically contains less than 2% crystalline silica. It is approved for various uses, such as an anti-caking agent in animal feed and for pest control, but its status as a safe dietary supplement for humans is not approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA. Food-grade DE should be handled with care to avoid inhalation.

Filter-grade diatomaceous earth: Also known as pool-grade DE, this version is calcined, or treated with high heat, to increase its filtration efficiency. This heat treatment drastically increases the concentration of crystalline silica, sometimes up to 60-70%. This form of DE is highly toxic to humans if inhaled and should never be ingested. Its primary uses are industrial, including in water filtration for swimming pools.

Potential Health Claims and the Scientific Evidence

While some anecdotal reports suggest numerous health benefits from consuming food-grade diatomaceous earth, scientific research to substantiate these claims is very limited or non-existent. Most of the claimed benefits come from the fact that DE is rich in silica, a mineral essential for connective tissues, and its unique structure allows it to bind to particles.

Some purported benefits include:

Digestive Cleansing: Proponents claim the porous structure of DE acts like a "sweep" for the digestive tract, trapping and removing parasites and toxins. However, no human studies confirm this mechanism or its effectiveness.
Improved Hair, Skin, and Nails: The silica content is promoted for strengthening these tissues. While some studies show silicon's role in connective tissue health, it's unclear how much silica is actually absorbed from DE passing quickly through the digestive system.
Cholesterol Reduction: A single small-scale study from 1998 showed promising results for lowering cholesterol, but it lacked a control group, making its conclusions unreliable. Further research is needed to validate these findings.
Detoxification: The idea that DE can detoxify the body by binding to heavy metals and other toxins is speculative. There is no human evidence to support this claim.

Comparison of Food-Grade and Filter-Grade DE


Feature	Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth	Filter-Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Composition	Mostly amorphous silica with less than 2% crystalline silica.	High concentration of crystalline silica (60-70%).
Processing	Minimally processed; not heated.	Treated with high heat (calcined).
Ingestion Safety	Considered relatively safe for incidental ingestion in small amounts; not approved as a dietary supplement.	Highly toxic and must never be ingested.
Inhalation Safety	Can cause respiratory irritation; minimize exposure.	High risk of lung disease like silicosis with inhalation.
Primary Use	Pest control, animal feed additive.	Industrial filtration, e.g., swimming pool filters.

The Dangers of Inhaling Diatomaceous Earth

Regardless of its grade, all DE is a fine powder and poses a respiratory risk if inhaled. The danger is magnified significantly with filter-grade DE due to its high crystalline silica content.

Respiratory Irritation: Inhaling DE dust can cause irritation to the nose and lungs, leading to coughing and shortness of breath.
Silicosis: Long-term or repeated inhalation of crystalline silica can lead to silicosis, a severe and irreversible lung disease characterized by inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue.
Safe Handling: Always wear a mask and eye protection when handling DE, especially in enclosed spaces. Work in a well-ventilated area and keep pets and children away during application to minimize airborne dust.

How to Safely Consume Food-Grade DE

If you choose to consume food-grade DE, despite the lack of proven benefits and regulatory approval, following safe practices is essential:

Ensure it's Food-Grade: Only use products explicitly labeled as "food-grade." Confirm it contains less than 2% crystalline silica.
Mix Thoroughly: DE does not dissolve in water. To prevent a chalky, gritty texture and ensure smooth consumption, mix one to two teaspoons into a sufficient amount of liquid, like water, juice, or a smoothie. Stir well and drink immediately to prevent it from settling.
Start Small: Begin with a smaller dose, such as one teaspoon, and slowly increase it over time to see how your body reacts. Some anecdotal reports suggest starting with a small amount and gradually increasing to a tablespoon.
Consult a Professional: Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your regimen, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have pre-existing health conditions.
Watch for Side Effects: Some people report flu-like symptoms or digestive issues during the initial phase of consumption, often referred to as a "die-off" effect. If any symptoms persist, stop use and consult a doctor.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether it is safe to consume diatomaceous earth depends entirely on the product's grade and the precautions taken. Food-grade DE is generally safe for incidental exposure, but the scientific community and regulatory bodies have not approved it as a dietary supplement, and the health benefits remain largely unproven. Filter-grade DE, however, is unequivocally toxic and must never be ingested. The most significant risk for any type of DE is inhalation, which can lead to serious respiratory issues. For anyone considering using DE for health purposes, thorough research, proper handling, and medical consultation are essential to prioritize safety over anecdotal claims.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For health-related questions, consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the crystalline silica content. Food-grade DE is minimally processed and contains less than 2% crystalline silica, making it suitable for incidental ingestion. Filter-grade DE is heated during processing, has a much higher crystalline silica content (60-70%), and is toxic if ingested or inhaled.

No. Inhaling any fine powder, including food-grade DE, can irritate the nasal passages and lungs. Inhaling filter-grade DE, which contains high amounts of crystalline silica, is particularly dangerous and can lead to a severe lung disease called silicosis.

This is a widespread but unproven claim. While DE's porous structure can bind to particles, there is no scientific evidence from human studies to confirm that consuming food-grade DE effectively removes toxins or heavy metals from the body.

No. While the FDA lists food-grade DE as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' for limited, indirect use in food products (like filtering), it is not approved or regulated as a dietary supplement for human consumption. Health claims on products are often unsupported.

Some anecdotal reports include mild side effects such as digestive discomfort, headaches, or flu-like symptoms, sometimes referred to as 'die-off' effects. If these symptoms persist, it is recommended to stop use and consult a doctor.

To minimize the risk of inhalation, always wear a mask when handling DE. Use it in a well-ventilated area and apply it carefully to avoid creating large clouds of dust. Wear eye protection to prevent irritation.

Small, incidental ingestion of food-grade DE is generally not a cause for panic and will likely pass through the digestive system without issues. If a pet ingests it, it should be monitored closely. In the case of ingestion, especially a large amount, or if they inhale the dust, contact a poison control center or veterinarian immediately.