Pseudoscientific use of medicine
This article is about the pseudoscientific uses of activated charcoal. For the scientifically proven medical uses of "activated charcoal", see
Activated charcoal (medication). For the technical description and industrial applications of "activated charcoal", see
Activated carbon.
Activated charcoal cleanse |
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Activated charcoal shown in various forms |
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Claims | Detoxification or cleansing of the body |
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Activated charcoal cleanses, also known as charcoal detoxes, are a pseudoscientific use of a proven medical intervention. Activated charcoal is available in powder, tablet and liquid form. Its proponents claim the use of activated charcoal on a regular basis will detoxify and cleanse the body as well as boost one's energy and brighten the skin. Such claims violate basic principles of chemistry and physiology. There is no medical evidence for any health benefits of cleanses or detoxes via activated charcoal or any other method. Charcoal, when ingested, will absorb vitamins and nutrients as well as prescription medications present in the gastrointestinal tract which can make it dangerous to use unless directed by a medical doctor.