Activated carbon

Activated carbon, a highly porous material, is produced from natural sources such as wood, coconut shells, or peat. Production takes place by heating at high temperatures and treatment with gases in order to create the characteristic micropores that can bind substances effectively. Thanks to these properties, Activated carbon is valued in medicine, cosmetics, and industry.

Benefits and medical applications

Activated carbon is used in various situations that are relevant both medically and in everyday life. Numerous studies have been conducted with Activated carbon that substantiate some of the effects. Other effects must be further researched, before one can speak of a verified effect:

  1. Poisonings and overdoses: Activated carbon is frequently used for the treatment of acute poisonings and overdoses. The porous structure binds toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and prevents their absorption into the blood (1).
  2. Digestive support and removal of harmful substances in the digestive tract: Activated carbon is frequently used for digestive problems. It is said to support digestion and reduce gas formation in the intestine. These effects must continue to be researched before one can speak of an actual factual basis.
  3. Cholesterol reduction: Activated carbon could help lower LDL cholesterol levels. In one investigation, taking 8 g of Activated carbon three times daily led to a significant reduction in cholesterol (2). Here too, more studies are needed to be able to make a conclusive statement.
  4. Kidney health: In kidney diseases, Activated carbon was able to help subjects bind waste products such as urea and promote their excretion, whereby the burden on the kidneys was reduced (3). Further studies likewise suggest that Activated carbon could potentially contribute to promoting renal health (4).
  5. Cosmetic applications: Activated carbon is used in toothpaste, face masks, and skin cleansers to remove impurities and improve the complexion. Its binding properties are said to help absorb sebum and dirt. Here too, however, the evidence is thin at best.

How does Activated carbon work?

The mode of action of Activated carbon is based on adsorption: harmful substances adhere to the porous surface of the carbon and are thus removed from liquids or gases. In medical applications, Activated carbon could, for example, potentially bind excess medications in the gastrointestinal tract and prevent their uptake into the blood.

Intake and dosage

Activated carbon is taken in the form of powder, capsules, or tablets. The dosage varies depending on the application; here are some of the dosages that have been used in studies:

  • For acute poisonings: Typically 1 g of Activated carbon per kilogram of body weight, often divided into several doses.
  • Cholesterol reduction: 3 doses of 8 g daily.
  • For cosmetic purposes: Local application as a mask or patch.

Here too, caution should be exercised, and these doses should be discussed with a doctor before intake. The factual basis here is also too imprecise to be able to make binding statements on dosage.

Risks and side effects

Although Activated carbon is generally safe, side effects such as constipation, black stools, or rarely intestinal blockages can occur. In addition, it can inhibit the absorption of medications and nutrients. It should therefore not be taken together with important medicines or meals.

Conclusion

Activated carbon has versatile applications, especially for acute poisonings and as a supportive measure for digestion and kidney health. Nevertheless, its use should be well considered and medically supervised in order to minimize potential interactions and side effects. In addition, the thin evidence base should be kept in mind at all times.

Sources:

  1. Silberman J, Galuska MA, Taylor A. Activated Charcoal. [Updated 2023 Apr 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482294/
  2. Kuusisto, P., Vapaatalo, H., Manninen, V., Huttunen, J. K., & Neuvonen, P. J. (1986). Effect of activated charcoal on hypercholesterolaemia. Lancet (London, England), 2(8503), 366–367. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(86)90054-1
  3. Rahman WK, Rabea IS, Meizel MM. Protective effect of activated charcoal against progression of chronic kidney disease: A randomized clinical study. J Med Life. 2023 Sep;16(9):1310-1315. doi: 10.25122/jml-2023-0128. PMID: 38107705; PMCID: PMC10719797.
  4. El-Kafoury, B., K. Saleh, N., A. Saad, D., K Shawky, M., Mehanna, N., & Ghonamy, E. (2019). ROLE OF ACTIVATED CHARCOAL IN LIMITING THE PROGRESSION OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN ALBINO RATS. Al-Azhar Medical Journal, 48(1), 43-56. doi: 10.21608/amj.2019.50729