Zeolites are minerals that are offered in powder capsules and are often advertised as detox miracles. But here you can find out whether zeolite can really detoxify the body or is even harmful.
Zeolites, also called volcanic minerals, are minerals that belong to the group of silicates. Silicates are rock-forming minerals and make up over 90 percent of the components of the earth’s crust.
Zeolites occur naturally in volcanic rocks or deep-sea sediments. However, they can also be produced synthetically. Their structure is characterized by cavities and holes. Because of this porous structure, they act like sponges and can bind substances. According to the consumer advice center, zeolites are used, among other things, as additives in feed or detergents, to bind odor in cat litter or in road construction.
For some time now, vendors have been promoting zeolites, including for example Clinoptiloith, also as a means of detoxifying the body.
at Clinoptiloith it is a naturally formed zeolite. It is not approved as a dietary supplement in Germany. Klinoptiloith is only classified as a medical device and can be purchased in the form of powder capsules.
Can Zeolite Really Detoxify the Body?
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Due to its porous structure, zeolite has absorbent and binding properties, according to the independent scientific network Cochrane. Taken in powder form, it should bind “bad” substances in the body and thus detoxify it.
However, zeolite does not differentiate between harmful and harmless substances, according to the consumer advice center. When it is taken orally, it can also release important substances in the digestive tract Vitamins or Minerals revoke.
In addition, products made from zeolite are mostly containing harmful substances such as aluminum or lead burdened. The consumer advice center advises against the use in children. Caution should also be exercised in combination with other medications, as there may be interactions.
The detoxifying effect of zeolite has not yet been scientifically proven because, according to Cochrane, there are no studies on it. The scientific network does not rate studies that prove the health effects of zeolites as meaningful, as there is often a lack of plausibility and evidence.
Less strict approval: This is why zeolites are only medical products
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / EmilianDanaila)
Zeolites are not allowed in Europe as Food supplements Tobe offered. According to the consumer advice center, they are not approved as a so-called “novel food” (novel food). Novel foods are products that were not consumed in the EU before 1997, and for what purpose Stevia leaves or so-called Clean meat (Laboratory meat) count.
Instead, zeolites are available in Germany as so-called medical products. According to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), medical devices differ from drugs primarily in their mode of action. Examples of medical products are implants, visual aids, dental products or condoms.
In addition, medical devices require no state approval. There is only a conformity assessment procedure by the BfArM, which makes the manufacturer responsible for the quality, safety and effectiveness of the product.
In contrast to pharmaceuticals, the Admission less strict. According to the consumer advice center, the effectiveness of a medical product does not have to be proven in a more laborious manner. The manufacturers of a medical product may advertise it in the context of a disease, provided that the content is scientifically correct. However, the BfArM does not check the content prior to marketing.
Conclusion: Your body doesn’t need any zeolites
A detoxifying and health-promoting effect of zeolite cannot be scientifically proven, as zeolite products and their side effects have not been adequately researched to date. In addition, products made from zeolite are often contaminated with harmful substances. Always find out about new products from reputable sources such as the consumer advice center or consult a pharmacist.
The so-called detox products are sold in large quantities in the form of creams, juices or plasters, among other things. However, these dearly marketed remedies are not necessary because you can detoxify your body all by itself.
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