✓
No active regulatory warnings
Sources: FDA MedWatch, EMA EudraVigilance, WHO VigiBase, WADA Prohibited List · 2026-05-29
Updated: 2026-05-29 · v2.0 · Prof. G. Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD📎 Cite 📄 PDF
1 Identity

Zeolite / Clinoptilolite

Clinoptilolite (volcanic mineral)
Limited EvidenceEvidence: LimitedOther
Zeolites (primarily clinoptilolite) are microporous aluminosilicate minerals marketed as 'detoxifiers' that trap heavy metals and toxins in their cage-like crystal structure [1]. The ion-exchange mechanism is real chemistry — zeolites ARE used industrially for water purification and in animal feed for mycotoxin binding. However, oral human 'detox' supplements have minimal clinical evidence. One small RCT found clinoptilolite improved intestinal barrier function in endurance athletes. The main concern: zeolite supplements may contain aluminum (being aluminosilicates) and can adsorb medications, reducing their absorption [1].
3
Zeolite / Clinoptilolite
Clinoptilolite (volcanic mineral)
Limited EvidenceLimitedOther
Clinical verdict: Zeolite's ion-exchange chemistry is real (industrial water purification), but 'detox' supplement claims far exceed evidence. One small athlete RCT showed improved gut barrier — that's essentially it for human data. Concerns: (1) zeolites ARE aluminosilicates — aluminum content varies; (2) ion-exchange activity may adsorb medications (separate by 2+ hours); (3) 'detoxification' is not a medical concept — the liver and kidneys handle this. Heavy metal chelation for clinical poisoning requires medical chelators, not supplements [1].
RDA
Typical 1–3 g
Target
N/A
UL
No UL
Category
Other
Population dosing
✅ USP Verified, NSF Contents Certified, ConsumerLab Approved
2 Risk self-assessment
See overview [1].
Select factors above to see your risk level
Clinical pearl for practitioners
SupplementIndex
Zeolite / Clinoptilolite
Clinoptilolite (volcanic mineral) · Limited Evidence · Evidence: Limited
RDA
Typical 1–3 g
Upper limit
No UL
Evidence
Limited
Clinical bottom line
Zeolite's ion-exchange chemistry is real (industrial water purification), but 'detox' supplement claims far exceed evidence. One small athlete RCT showed improved gut barrier — that's essentially it for human data. Concerns: (1) zeolites ARE aluminosilicates — aluminum content varies; (2) ion-exchange activity may adsorb medications (separate by 2+ hours); (3) 'detoxification' is not a medical concept — the liver and kidneys handle this. Heavy metal chelation for clinical poisoning requires medical chelators, not supplements [1].
Do not miss
⚠ See overview for critical safety [1]
Pregnancy
Avoid — aluminum content concern; insufficient data [1].
4 Lab interpreter

See overview

<12 Deficient
12–20 Insufficient
20–50 Optimal
50–100 Excess
>150 Toxic
Your level:
Enter a value above
⚕ For healthcare professionals. Does not replace clinical judgment.
5 Quick facts
CategoryOther
Safety levelLimited Evidence
EvidenceLimited
RDATypical 1–3 g
Upper limit (UL)No UL
Scientific nameClinoptilolite (volcanic mineral)
See overview[1]
6 Dosage by population

Adults Moderate

See product label

Elderly Moderate

See product label
Consider reduced renal/hepatic clearance. Start at lower end of range.

Pregnancy Moderate

See guidance
Avoid — aluminum content concern; insufficient data [1].

Pediatric Moderate

See guidance
Not recommended [1].

Athletes Limited

Standard dose

Obesity Limited

Standard dose
Fat-soluble compounds may require dose adjustment in obesity.

Renal Limited

Consult specialist
Dose adjustment may be needed in renal impairment.

Vegan Moderate

Standard dose
See overview [1].
7 Form comparison
FormBioavailabilityVeganCost/day
['Various forms', 'standard', 'See overview [1].']StandardCheck label
8 Clinical evidence

Strong evidence

See overview [1]. HIGH

Moderate evidence

See overview [1]. MODERATE

Insufficient evidence

See overview [1]. LOW
9 Safety

🚩 Red flags — when to stop and refer

● See overview [1]

Pregnancy

Avoid — aluminum content concern; insufficient data [1].

Pediatric

Not recommended [1].
10 Toxicity and overdose

11 Drug interactions
ALL oral medications Major
Mechanism: Ion-exchange may adsorb drugs — separate by 2+ hours [1].
Effect: See overview [1].
Action: See overview [1].
12 Supplement interactions
13 Laboratory monitoring
See overview Primary
Target: N/A · N/A
See overview [1].
14 Deficiency and prevalence
0%
[1]

Risk factors

• See overview [1].
15 Frequently asked questions
Key point ▼
Zeolite's ion-exchange chemistry is real (industrial water purification), but 'detox' supplement claims far exceed evidence. One small athlete RCT showed improved gut barrier — that's essentially it for human data. Concerns: (1) zeolites ARE aluminosilicates — aluminum content varies; (2) ion-exchange activity may adsorb medications (separate by 2+ hours); (3) 'detoxification' is not a medical concept — the liver and kidneys handle this. Heavy metal chelation for clinical poisoning requires medical chelators, not supplements [1].
16 Regulatory status
See overview: [1].
17 References
[1]Lamprecht M, et al. Effects of zeolite supplementation on parameters of intestinal barrier integrity, inflammation, redoxbiology and performance in aerobically trained subjects. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015;12:40. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0101-z REVIEW
[2]Mastinu A, et al. Zeolite clinoptilolite: therapeutic virtues of an ancient mineral. Molecules. 2019;24(8):1517. doi:10.3390/molecules24081517 REVIEW
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19 Cite this page
Vancouver
Pkhakadze G. Zeolite / Clinoptilolite — safety profile [Internet]. Tbilisi: Public Health Institute of Georgia; 2026 [cited 2026 May 30]. Available from: https://supplement.ge/ingredients/zeolite-clinoptilolite/
APA 7th
Pkhakadze, G. (2026). Zeolite / Clinoptilolite — Safety profile. Public Health Institute of Georgia. https://supplement.ge/ingredients/zeolite-clinoptilolite/
CC BY 4.0
🛡 SupplementIndex receives no funding from supplement manufacturers. All content independently authored by PHIG.
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Reviewed by Prof. G. Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD
Editor-in-Chief, Georgian Medical Journal · Chair, PHIG
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Next: November 2026
This entry is provided for educational and public health purposes under CC BY 4.0. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. For corrections: info@accreditation.ge.
Publisher: PHIG · Editor-in-Chief: Prof. Giorgi Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD