Tag: Diatomaceous earth safety

While the FDA recognizes food-grade diatomaceous earth as generally safe for consumption in low concentrations, there is no official recommended daily allowance for adults. Therefore, understanding how much diatomaceous earth should I take requires careful consideration of anecdotal reports and best practices for safe consumption.

While anecdotal reports suggest numerous health benefits, scientific evidence supporting the claims about what drinking diatomaceous earth does to your body is limited. The powdered substance, made from fossilized diatoms, is widely marketed as a natural detoxifier, but it's crucial to distinguish between marketing claims and established facts before consuming it.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food-grade diatomaceous earth is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption in small, controlled amounts. However, this only applies to the specific food-grade variety, and the critical distinction between grades is the single most important factor when considering: is diatomaceous earth safe if eaten?

While all diatomaceous earth originates from fossilized diatoms, a critical distinction separates the edible, 'food grade' version from industrial grades used in filters or pest control. The key difference lies in how the product is processed and its resulting crystalline silica content, which directly impacts safety for humans and animals. Knowing the correct grade for your intended use is vital for health and effectiveness.

While food-grade diatomaceous earth is considered non-toxic, consuming too much or inhaling the dust can lead to adverse health effects. Its abrasive nature and potential for crystalline silica content pose risks if not used correctly, especially regarding respiratory and digestive health.