About this ingredient
Charcoal is a carbon-rich material produced by heating organic material under limited oxygen. Activated charcoal is a specially processed form with a highly porous structure and a large surface area, allowing it to adsorb certain substances onto its surface.
Activated charcoal is different from ordinary cooking charcoal or charcoal briquettes. In supplement and healthcare contexts, the term generally refers to activated charcoal prepared for a specific application.
Activated charcoal has been used in certain medical settings because it can bind some substances in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce their absorption when administered appropriately. Its effectiveness depends strongly on the substance involved, timing and clinical circumstances.
It is also used in water filtration, air purification, cosmetics, oral-care products and other industrial applications.
