Activated Charcoal
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A fine black powder made from carbon-rich material, such as coconut shells or wood, treated at high heat to create a highly porous surface.
Why it’s used
Used in emergency medicine to adsorb certain ingested substances, and sold as a supplement for occasional use with intestinal gas or general "detox" purposes.
What the evidence is for
relief of intestinal gas (flatulence).
What the evidence says
Its adsorbent effect in acute poisoning is well established in clinical settings, but that use is medically supervised and distinct from over-the-counter supplement use. For its common supplement use — easing intestinal gas — trial evidence is limited and mixed, with some studies finding little measurable benefit over placebo.
Context
Clinical adsorption studies use carefully timed, supervised dosing after ingestion of a specific substance, a context that does not translate to routine supplement use.
Educational information, not medical or safety advice. Consult a professional for allergies or medical concerns.