Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has EU approved health claim: contributes to reducing excessive flatulence after eating (1g per quantified portion). Also used medically for poisoning treatment. Adsorbs gas-producing compounds in gut.
How it works (mechanism of action)
Highly porous carbon structure with enormous surface area (1,000m2/g) non-specifically adsorbs compounds in gut. Reduces intestinal gas production by adsorbing fermentable substrates. Medical use: adsorbs toxins in overdose.
Evidence grades: A=Strong RCT evidence · B=Good clinical trials · C=Limited trials · D=Preliminary/traditional
MAJOR: Adsorbs medications — reduces absorption of oral drugs by up to 90%. Take well away from medications (2+ hours before or 2+ hours after). Causes black stools. Constipation risk. Do not use for poisoning without medical supervision.