Previously, activated charcoal or activated carbon was considered water’s universal antidote. The substance is still renowned for its toxin-absorbing properties. Activated carbon also offers several other proposed benefits like teeth whitening, intestinal gas disrupting, curing hangovers, etc. After buying the product from a carbon supplier, many people also use it in the commercial water filtration process. But still, many people often ask whether activated carbon is safe for humans or not. In this post, we will answer the question but before that, let us discuss first what is activated charcoal.
About Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is not the same substance found in burnt food pieces or charcoal bricks. Its manufacturers make the essence extremely adsorbent that allows activated charcoal to bind into atoms or ions. It requires carbon-rich things like wood, coconut shells, or sawdust to make activated carbon. Professional activated charcoal manufacturers buy pure carbon from a carbon supplier to produce high-quality activated charcoal.Is It Safe?
In most cases, the consumption of activated charcoal is safe. However, some people might experience its reaction, which is infrequent and not severe. Activated carbon might also cause side effects like vomiting and nausea. Many people have also reported black stools and constipation problems after taking activated charcoal.Many people often use it as an emergency antidote to counter toxic elements like poison. In that case, the activated carbon might travel to the lungs instead of the stomach. People who are vomiting or semi-conscious are mostly at risk of this condition. So, it is fair to conclude that one should give activated charcoal to fully aware individuals.
People suffering from variegate porphyria should never consume activated charcoal. It is a genetic disease (and rare also) that affects the nervous system, gut, and skin. Studies show that consumption of activated carbon might worsen the symptoms of variegate porphyria. In some cases, it has also been found that activated carbon is also linked to holes or bowel blockages. Individuals also need to understand that activated carbon might also diminish the absorption of a few medicines. In that case, the person won’t get the result that he/she was expecting. So, people taking any medications must consult their doctor before consuming activated charcoal.
Dosage Guidelines
Activated carbon can be considered as a supplement that has a variety of uses. For example, it treats poisoning, boosts kidney function, reduces cholesterol level, and gas. But before buying it from a carbon supplier, you should know about its dosage. People suffering from fishy odor disease need around 1.5 grams of activated carbon daily to treat the condition. On the other hand, when it comes to promoting kidney function or reducing cholesterol, the dosage jumps to 4 to 32 grams. But before consuming activated charcoal, it is essential to consult with a doctor.In case of poisoning, the person should be treated under the guidance of a healthcare expert. Doctors mainly prescribe 50–100 grams of activated carbon to adults suffering from an overdose. The person needs this dosage within an hour. If a child suffers from the same condition will need a lower dosage of 10 to 25 grams. But in both cases, medical attention is required.
Activated carbon supplements are widely available in powder or pill form. If you want to consume activated carbon in powder, then mix it in water. You can also consume it through non-acidic juice. People on activated charcoal sometimes experience symptoms like constipation. Individuals are requested to drink more water to counter this symptom. You can buy activated charcoal supplements from a drugstore. If you need activated carbon for commercial or industrial use, buy it from a trusted carbon supplier.
Possible Uses
- Activated charcoal can be a possible treatment for diarrhea.
- Activated carbon can remove dust and dirt. Due to this reason, manufacturers often use it in skincare products.
- It helps to filter drugs and toxins. In this way, it boosts kidney function.
- Activated charcoal also works excellent in whitening teeth and promoting overall oral health.
- It can also manage humidity and absorb moisture at a lower level.
