Activated charcoal for slimming is more and more often used. Is it a harmful fad or a miracle cure for obesity?

 Activated charcoal has been used for centuries for its detoxifying effects, but its use for slimming is a relatively new trend. While some people claim that activated charcoal can help with weight loss, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim

2

13

.  However, recent research has shown that acidic activated charcoal may be able to attenuate high-fat diet-induced weight gain and insulin resistance in mice without serious adverse effects

1

3

.  

Activated charcoal is a carbon that is processed in a specific way to make it highly absorbent. It serves an important purpose in emergency rooms, where it helps treat acute poisoning

13

.  

The high absorbency of activated charcoal allows it to bind to toxins in the stomach and decrease the amount of poison the body absorbs

13

.  Once it binds to toxins, the body is able to remove them through the normal elimination process. Activated charcoal is safe to consume in some cases, but it may cause side effects such as constipation, black stools, vomiting, or diarrhea

4

8th

11

14

. 

 It is important to note that activated charcoal can also bind to essential nutrients, inducing vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, constipation, and even vomiting

15

.  Therefore, it is recommended to use activated charcoal only under the direct supervision of a doctor, poison control center, or other health care professional

14

.  In conclusion, while acidic activated charcoal may have some potential benefits for weight management, it is important to be cautious and consult a healthcare professional before using it for this purpose.

Citations:

[1] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.852767/full

[2] https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/people-drinking-activated-charcoal-to-lose-weight-detox/291-523693442

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35634388/

[4] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-269/activated-charcoal

[5] https://integrisok.com/resources/on-your-health/2019/december/debunking-the-hype-surrounding-activated-charcoal

[6] https://www.cosmosclinic.com.au/blog/charcoal-detox-weight-loss/

[7] https://studyfinds.org/charcoal-supplements-weight-gain/

[8] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/activated-charcoal-uses-risks

[9] https://foodinsight.org/activated-charcoalthe-detox-cure-all-or-not/

[10] https://www.singlecare.com/blog/activated-charcoal-benefits/

[11] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/charcoal-activated-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20070087

[12] https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/activated-charcoal-the-latest-detox-fad-in-an-obsessive-food-culture/

[13] https://www.livestrong.com/article/340077-activated-charcoal-weight-loss/

[14] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/charcoal-activated-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20070087?p=1

[15] https://www.businessinsider.com/charcoal-detoxing-fad-exposed-for-causing-vitamin-deficiencies-2018-10

[16] https://www.wildfoods.co/blogs/wild-blog/activated-charcoal

[17] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/activated-charcoal

[18] https://sites.uci.edu/morningsignout/2018/01/27/charcoal-is-the-new-black/

[19] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9134190/

[20] https://www.rxlist.com/activated_charcoal/supplements.htm

[21] https://lahinchtavernandgrill.com/unlock-the-magic-of-activated-charcoal-a-modern-day-miracle-cure/

[22] https://lahinchtavernandgrill.com/the-benefits-of-activated-charcoal-absorbing-fat-from-the-body/

[23] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482294/

[24] https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220715/Edible-activated-charcoal-may-prevent-weight-gain.aspx

[25] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322609