Activated Charcoal & Cholesterol
Activated charcoal in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia: dose-response relationships and comparison with cholestyramine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2612535/
This study looked at how different amounts of activated charcoal affect cholesterol levels and compared it to a common cholesterol-lowering drug called cholestyramine.
Seven patients took various doses of charcoal over several weeks, which led to lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and higher levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in a dose-dependent way.
Another group of patients with high cholesterol took either charcoal, cholestyramine, a combination of both, or bran. All treatments lowered cholesterol levels, with no major differences between them, though cholestyramine raised triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) while charcoal did not.
There were no effects on vitamins in the blood, and patients generally tolerated all treatments similarly, though some preferred one treatment over another.
The study used the following doses of activated charcoal and cholestyramine:
- Activated charcoal: 4, 8, 16, and 32 grams per day
- Cholestyramine: 16 grams per day
- Combination: 8 grams of activated charcoal + 8 grams of cholestyramine per day
Optimal Dose
The study found that 16 grams of activated charcoal daily effectively reduced LDL cholesterol by 23% without raising triglycerides. Cholestyramine reduced LDL cholesterol more (by 31%) but also increased triglycerides. The combination of both had similar results to each treatment alone but also raised triglycerides like cholestyramine.
Adding Activated Charcoal to Your Diet
To add 16 grams of activated charcoal to your diet:
- Powder Form: Mix charcoal powder with water or a smoothie. This would likely be the easiest way to consume it. Ensure you buy food-grade activated charcoal.
- Capsules/Tablets: You can take the equivalent dose via capsules or tablets if you prefer not to mix it into food or drinks. You would need to check the packaging for the exact dosage per capsule to reach 16 grams.
- Caution: Activated charcoal can interfere with the absorption of medications and nutrients, so it should be taken several hours before or after meals and medications.
As always, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a regimen involving high doses of activated charcoal, as it may not be appropriate for everyone.
Neuvonen PJ, Kuusisto P, Vapaatalo H, Manninen V. Activated charcoal in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia: dose-response relationships and comparison with cholestyramine. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1989;37(3):225-30. doi: 10.1007/BF00679774. PMID: 2612535.