About Activated Carbon
Activated charcoal is a highly porous form of carbon that adsorbs substances in the GI tract. Well established for acute poisoning treatment. As a daily supplement, evidence is limited. One double-blind RCT showed reduced intestinal gas and bloating symptoms. EFSA approved a health claim for reducing excessive intestinal gas at 1 g taken before and after meals. One small RCT showed dose-dependent LDL cholesterol reduction (up to 41%), but results are mixed. Important: charcoal indiscriminately adsorbs medications, nutrients, and supplements — it can reduce absorption of other pills taken within 1-2 hours. Not recommended alongside other supplements or medications without spacing doses.
What Activated Carbon supports
- May reduce intestinal gas and bloating (EFSA-approved claim at 1g)
- Adsorbs toxins in the GI tract (established for acute poisoning)
- One small RCT showed LDL cholesterol reduction — mixed evidence
How much Activated Carbon to take
The RDA prevents deficiency. The effective range is what clinical trials used to actually move the outcome.
Effective
500–2000
mg
EFSA-approved dose for intestinal gas: 1 g before and after meals. One double-blind RCT used ~500 mg doses for gas/bloating. Cholesterol studies used 4–32 g/day (not practical for supplementation). Most supplement capsules deliver 250–560 mg per serving.
Clinical evidence
Moderate clinical evidence. Established treatment for acute poisoning; EFSA-approved claim for intestinal gas at 1g per meal
Reference