General Description
Activated charcoal is a nearly pure carbon substance produced by
the controlled burning of wood and other organic matter. The charcoal
is "activated" by high-temperature treatment with an oxidizing gas
(such as steam, carbon dioxide, or oxygen), which leads to the development
of an extensive internal network of fine pores that enhance the
material's adsorptive capabilities. Activated charcoal is used as
an antidote in certain types of poisoning.1
Health Applications
- Gas/bloating
- Detoxification
- High cholesterol
Primary Uses
Most uses of activated charcoal relate to its ability to bind
to various substances in the gastrointestinal tract. It is sometimes
recommended in certain types of poisoning 1 because
it binds to a wide range of drugs and toxic substances, promoting
their elimination from the body and preventing their absorption
into the bloodstream.2-7 While some studies indicate
that activated charcoal may also bind to intestinal gasses, reducing
the incidence of bloating and flatulence associated with certain
gas-producing foods,8-10 other studies failed to demonstrate
such an effect.11 Activated charcoal has demonstrated
the ability to bind to cholesterol in vitro,12 and
small-scale trials indicate that it can effectively reduce LDL
("bad cholesterol") and total cholesterol while increasing HDL
("good cholesterol") in patients with high cholesterol levels;13-15
however, larger studies are needed before charcoal's effectiveness
as a cholesterol-lowering agent can be confirmed.
Dosage/Toxicity
Dosage recommendations for activated cholesterol vary with intended
use. Studies on cholesterol-reduction have used amounts ranging
from 16 to 40 grams per day13-15 and it appears to
be well tolerated at this dosage range. In cases of poisoning,
charcoal should only be used after consultation with a doctor
or poison control center. Activated charcoal is ordinarily not
effective against poisoning by corrosive agents such as alkalis,
strong acids, alcohols, or petroleum products, because it does
not prevent these poisons from being absorbed by the body. | 
