Charcoal is most commonly used to cook a delicious meal on the grill. But the substance is increasingly being used in foods, too. Activated charcoal can now be found in some baked goods, ice creams, coffees, and even in powder form.
While eating food with activated charcoal or consuming it via capsules sounds interesting, it turns out this fad may not be the best idea.
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Charcoal is made from peat, coal, wood, coconut shell, or petroleum. is made by heating charcoal with gas, where it develops internal spaces and pores that help trap chemicals.
It’s commonly used to by stopping it from being absorbed from the stomach into the body.
Proceed with Caution
Turns out the draw isn't in the flavor or color of the charcoal, but in promised health benefits. Foods and supplements with activated charcoal promise to help with digestive health, reduce cholesterol, and remove other impurities from the body.
"There really isn't any reliable evidence to support these claims," says , a clinical toxicologist and director of the . "There hasn't been any substantive research or large studies into these supposed benefits."
What has been proven about activated charcoal is that it can be helpful in some instances of poisoning. The charcoal binds to the poison and keeps it from entering the blood stream.
"Activated charcoal should only be given in health care facilities," Johnson says. "We do not recommend at-home use of activated charcoal for poisonings."
However, it’s not always the best option for treatment. It should not be used unless the poison was recently ingested and the patient is alert and aware. Also, it should not be used in cases where the poison in question is a liquid, a caustic agent, or a hydrocarbon like gasoline.
Beware of the Risks
Poisons aren't the only substances activated charcoal can bind to in the stomach. It can also bind to foods you have eaten, blocking the absorption of nutrients and medications you may have taken, reducing their effectiveness.
"If you are taking a medication that requires a certain dosage to be effective, you may be putting yourself at risk," Johnson warns.
Aside from medication interactions, other risks involved with taking activated charcoal include common side effects like constipation, which occurs when the charcoal enters the intestine and hardens. In more severe cases, this could lead to bowel blockages or
While foods with activated charcoal may seem promising, it’s important to know the risks and realize that the real benefits are likely only for whoever is selling you the darkly alluring items.