Zeolite: An Amazing Mineral
There has been a lot of buzz in the last couple of years surrounding something called zeolite. You can find ads on social media, videos on TikTok, and there is no shortage of written articles. As popular an item as it is, there are also a lot of questions ranging from, “What is it?” to “Where does it come from?” “Why should I take it?” and “Is it safe?”
Keep reading to learn more, and watch this short video about Zeolite!
What is Zeolite and where does it come from?
Let us start with the basics on this! Stating it as simply as possible, zeolite is a naturally occurring, negatively charged mineral. It is created when volcanic ash from an eruption falls into an alkaline water source. Over time, pressure is applied and it results in the mineral zeolite! Taking a closer look at zeolite using a microscope, you will notice that it has a porous three-dimensional cage-like structure that looks a little like a honeycomb.1
And as already stated, zeolite is one of the rare minerals that possesses a natural negative charge. When you combine this negative charge with its three-dimensional cage-like structure, it means zeolite can draw to it and trap positively charged toxins. Stated another way, zeolite works like a magnet and a sponge, attracting and trapping positively charged particles.
Zeolite Uses
The answer to this depends on if we are talking natural or synthetic zeolite. Let me explain. There are around 244 kinds or forms of zeolite. Roughly 200 of them are synthetic, or man-made. The uses for synthetic zeolite include agricultural, farming, water filtration, odor elimination etc.2,3 Synthetic zeolite is more for commercial/industrial use, not human consumption. There are around 44 kinds of naturally occurring zeolite however, and generally if you see a zeolite supplement, for human consumption, it will be one of these naturally occurring forms. Typically, the natural zeolite form used in supplements is called Clinoptilolite. Let’s now turn our attention to zeolite as a supplement!
Why do people take Zeolite?
Because of its negative charge and cage-like structure, zeolite can attract and trap positively charged environmental toxins. This may make it ideal for full body detox support!4* In addition, as the zeolite supports the removal of toxins from the body, the immune system may get a natural lift and so zeolite inadvertently provides people with wonderful immune support as well!4* And finally, zeolite may be able to provide digestive support as well, as it is reported to tighten up the lining of the stomach!4* With the ability to provide detox, immune, and digestive support, you can see why it is so popular today!
Are there side effects?
In clinical trials, zeolite caused no significant side effects5!
How about drug interactions?
Zeolite could potentially bind to and inactivate prescription medications!7 As with all natural supplements, it is wise to consult your physician before taking supplements, just to be on the safe side!
What are the most common supplement forms?
Two of the more popular ways to take zeolite as a supplement are capsules and liquid. In most instances, the capsules are higher dose than the liquid. As such, it is recommended to start with capsules to get a one- or two-month detox at a higher dose level and then if you desire, move on to the liquid zeolite as a low-dose daily supplement after that.
Is zeolite right for you? If you are looking for something that may provide terrific full body detox support as well as immune support and digestive health, it is worth checking out! *
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and I hope it was informative! God bless you!
Works Cited:
1 Claudia Belviso, Maryam Abdolrahimi, Davide Peddis, Erica Gagliano, Massimiliano Sgroi, Antonio Lettino, Paolo Roccaro, Federico G.A. Vagliasindi, Pietro P. Falciglia, Gaetano Di Bella, Maria G. Giustra, Francesco Cavalcante, Synthesis of zeolite from volcanic ash: Characterization and application for cesium removal, Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, Volume 319,2021,111045,ISSN 1387-1811.
2 Kulasekaran Ramesh, Dendi Damodar Reddy, Chapter Four - Zeolites and Their Potential Uses in Agriculture, Editor(s): Donald L. Sparks, Advances in Agronomy, Academic Press, Volume 113, 2011, Pages 219-241, ISSN 0065-2113, ISBN 9780123864734.
3https://www.keiken-engineering.com/news/zeolite-for-water-filtration
4Kraljević Pavelić S, Simović Medica J, Gumbarević D, Filošević A, Pržulj N, Pavelić K. Critical Review on Zeolite Clinoptilolite Safety and Medical Applications in vivo. Front Pharmacol. 2018 Nov 27;9:1350. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01350. PMID: 30538633; PMCID: PMC6277462.
5https://supplements.selfdecode.com/blog/zeolite-benefits/
6Elmore AR; Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Final report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, sodium magnesium silicate, zirconium silicate, attapulgite, bentonite, Fuller's earth, hectorite, kaolin, lithium magnesium silicate, lithium magnesium sodium silicate, montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, and zeolite. Int J Toxicol. 2003;22 Suppl 1:37-102. PMID: 12851164.
7Braschi I, Blasioli S, Gigli L, Gessa CE, Alberti A, Martucci A. Removal of sulfonamide antibiotics from water: Evidence of adsorption into an organophilic zeolite Y by its structural modifications. J Hazard Mater. 2010 Jun 15;178(1-3):218-25. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.01.066. Epub 2010 Jan 18. PMID: 20133061.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.