Activated Charcoal Pills: Uses, Benefits & What to Know

When accidental poisoning occurs, it is imperative to get treatment immediately. Toxins and poisons can have potentially life threatening effects on the body. Charcoal pills are an effective treatment for some forms of poisoning.

Identification

• Charcoal is a highly absorbent product known for its binding qualities and is produced from burning materials such as oil and wood. The charcoal is made into easy to swallow pills.

Benefits

• When swallowed, charcoal pills have the ability to bind together certain gases and toxins so they cannot disperse through the blood stream. This slows the progression of poison through the body.

Other Uses

• Charcoal pills can also be used to calm an upset stomach. Charcoal neutralizes and absorbs methane or sulfide intestinal gases, which cause indigestion.

Warning

• Because of it's absorbency and neutralizing abilities, charcoal can interfere with some medications. Therefore it is important to let your physician know if you are taking charcoal pills.

Considerations

• Charcoal should not be taken for long periods of time. Just like unwanted toxins and gases, necessary nutrients needed by the body can also be absorbed by the charcoal, leaving their levels depleted.