What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine, porous, sedimentary powder composed of the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. The primary component of this powder is amorphous silicon dioxide, a form of silica. It is essential to distinguish between the two main types of DE: food-grade and industrial-grade.
- Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth: This type is purified and contains less than 2% crystalline silica. It is generally considered safe for human and animal consumption in low concentrations, as recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is used as a food additive and anti-caking agent.
- Industrial (Filter-Grade) Diatomaceous Earth: This is a heat-treated form of DE with a much higher concentration of crystalline silica (around 60%). It is highly toxic to mammals, especially when inhaled, and is used for industrial purposes like swimming pool filtration, not for ingestion.
Anecdotal Usage and How to Consume
Due to the lack of clinical trials and official guidelines, there is no scientifically established recommended daily allowance for consuming food-grade DE. Most information on how much to consume is anecdotal and varies among different sources and brands. Experts and suppliers generally recommend a cautious approach, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing it while monitoring your body's reaction.
According to anecdotal reports, a starting point is to mix food-grade DE into a liquid once a day. Some users gradually increase the amount over several weeks. It is typically mixed the powder vigorously into at least 12 ounces of water, juice, or a smoothie and drunk immediately, as it does not dissolve completely and will settle. Consuming it on an empty stomach, an hour before eating, is often suggested to maximize potential effects, according to some anecdotal accounts. It is crucial to stay well-hydrated throughout the day when consuming DE.
Some users follow a cyclical approach, such as taking it for a certain number of days on and then taking a break, over a period of time. Always follow the specific instructions on the product packaging.
Potential Benefits (Mostly Anecdotal)
Advocates of food-grade DE suggest a variety of health benefits, although these claims are mostly theoretical and lack sufficient evidence from human research. Purported benefits include:
- Improved Digestive Health: Some claim that DE acts as a gentle cleanser in the digestive tract, sweeping away toxins, heavy metals, and parasites, thereby promoting better digestion and more regular bowel movements.
- Healthier Skin, Hair, and Nails: As a source of silica, DE is believed to support the production of collagen, a protein vital for healthy connective tissues. This has led to claims of stronger hair, nails, and improved skin elasticity.
- Cholesterol Management: A very small, older study in 1998 showed some participants with high cholesterol experienced a decrease in total cholesterol after consuming DE for eight weeks, but the study lacked a control group, and more research is needed.
- Detoxification: The idea that DE can detoxify the body stems from its industrial filtering properties, but no human research confirms this mechanism applies to the digestive system. The body has its own efficient detoxification processes.
Important Safety Precautions and Risks
While food-grade DE is generally considered non-toxic to ingest in low concentrations, several critical safety measures must be taken, particularly regarding inhalation.
- Do Not Inhale: The most significant risk comes from inhaling the fine powder. This can cause irritation to the nasal passages and lungs, similar to inhaling any fine dust. Prolonged or high-level inhalation of crystalline silica (present in filter-grade DE) can lead to serious lung diseases like silicosis.
- Verify the Grade: Always ensure you are purchasing and consuming only food-grade DE. Industrial-grade DE is toxic and unsafe for consumption.
- Stay Hydrated: Due to its absorbent nature, consuming DE without adequate hydration can potentially lead to constipation. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential.
- Potential Side Effects: Some users report experiencing mild, flu-like symptoms (sometimes referred to as a "die-off" reaction) during the initial stages of use. While these are anecdotal and not scientifically proven to be linked to DE, they should subside within a few days. If symptoms persist or are severe, stop use and consult a healthcare professional.
- Medication Interference: Because DE may absorb substances, it's a good practice to take it at least an hour away from other medications or supplements to avoid potential interference with absorption.
Food-Grade vs. Industrial-Grade Diatomaceous Earth
| Feature | Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth | Industrial (Filter-Grade) DE |
|---|---|---|
| Crystalline Silica Content | Very low (typically under 2%) | High (around 60%) |
| Primary Use | Dietary supplement (anecdotal), mild insecticide | Water filtration, industrial products |
| Safety for Ingestion | Generally recognized as safe by FDA for low concentrations | Extremely dangerous; not for human consumption |
| Inhalation Risk | Avoid inhalation; can cause irritation | High risk of silicosis and lung damage |
| Heavy Metals | Processed to contain fewer heavy metals | May contain higher levels |
Conclusion
While anecdotal evidence and marketing claims promote food-grade diatomaceous earth for various health benefits, including detoxification and digestive health, there is a distinct lack of robust human clinical research to support these effects. The question of how much diatomaceous earth can a human consume safely is best answered with caution, starting with a low amount and listening to your body. Crucially, the distinction between food-grade and industrial-grade DE is a matter of safety, and only the food-grade variety should ever be considered for ingestion. Due to the unproven nature of its benefits and potential risks, particularly with inhalation, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before adding diatomaceous earth to your dietary regimen.
More information can be found on Healthline's detailed overview of Diatomaceous Earth.
