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Earth Below

Also known as: Earth Below, fossil shell flour, DE, Diatomaceous Earth

Overview

Diatomaceous Earth (DE), often referred to as "Earth Below" in common parlance, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white powder. It is composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are microscopic, hard-shelled algae. Rich in silica, DE is widely used industrially as a filtration aid, mild abrasive, and natural insecticide. As a dietary supplement, it is marketed for various health benefits, including digestive cleansing, detoxification, cholesterol reduction, and parasite control. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims in humans is limited, with most research being preliminary or anecdotal. Only food-grade DE is considered safe for oral consumption, while industrial grades can be harmful. Its primary action is believed to be localized within the digestive tract due to its porous structure and poor systemic absorption of silica.

Benefits

The evidence for the health benefits of Diatomaceous Earth (DE) as a supplement is very limited and generally of low quality. One small, uncontrolled human study (n=19) reported a 13.2% reduction in total cholesterol after 8 weeks of DE supplementation, alongside slight improvements in LDL and triglycerides, and an increase in HDL. However, the absence of a control group significantly limits the interpretation and generalizability of these findings, making it difficult to attribute the effects solely to DE. Claims regarding detoxification, digestive cleansing, and parasite control are largely based on anecdotal evidence and DE's industrial properties (e.g., filtration, abrasive action), rather than robust human clinical trials. There are no validated benefits for specific populations, and the clinical significance of the observed effects, if any, remains unproven due to insufficient data and lack of rigorous studies.

How it works

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is hypothesized to exert its effects primarily within the digestive tract due to its unique physical properties. Its porous, abrasive silica structure is thought to act by adsorbing or filtering various substances. In the context of cholesterol, it's proposed that DE might bind to lipids in the gut, preventing their absorption. For detoxification and parasite control, the abrasive nature and adsorptive capacity are theorized to physically disrupt or bind to toxins and parasites, facilitating their elimination from the body. However, these mechanisms are largely speculative for human supplementation. Silica from DE is poorly absorbed systemically, meaning its actions are predominantly local within the gastrointestinal system, with no established systemic metabolic effects or known molecular targets.

Side effects

When food-grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is used orally in recommended amounts, it is generally regarded as safe. The most common side effect reported is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which may include bloating or constipation, particularly when first starting supplementation. There are no well-documented uncommon or rare side effects associated with oral ingestion. However, a significant safety concern arises from the inhalation of fine DE dust, which can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and, with chronic exposure, potential lung damage (silicosis). This risk is primarily associated with industrial exposure and not typically with oral supplementation, but users should still avoid inhaling the powder. There are no known documented drug interactions with DE. Contraindications include avoiding inhalation exposure, and caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The safety of DE in special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or individuals with chronic illnesses has not been adequately studied.

Dosage

Due to the limited scientific research, there is no established minimum effective dose or optimal dosage range for Diatomaceous Earth (DE) as a dietary supplement. Anecdotal dosages vary widely, typically ranging from 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon mixed in water or juice, taken once or twice daily. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but food-grade DE is generally considered safe in moderate oral amounts. There are no evidence-based recommendations for timing, though some suggest taking it on an empty stomach. It is crucial to use only food-grade DE for oral consumption, as industrial grades contain crystalline silica which is harmful. Systemic absorption of silica from DE is poor, indicating that its effects are primarily localized within the gastrointestinal tract. No specific cofactors are known to be required for its action.

FAQs

Can Diatomaceous Earth (DE) detoxify the body?

No robust human evidence supports claims that DE detoxifies the body. The body's own organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are highly effective at removing toxins naturally.

Does DE help lower cholesterol levels?

Limited evidence from one small, uncontrolled study suggested a possible modest reduction in total cholesterol. However, this finding lacks confirmation from larger, controlled clinical trials.

Is Diatomaceous Earth safe to consume?

Food-grade DE is generally considered safe for oral consumption. However, it is crucial to avoid inhaling the fine powder, as it can cause respiratory irritation and potential lung damage.

How long does it take to see results from DE supplementation?

The time course for any potential benefits of DE is unknown due to the lack of reliable and controlled human studies. There is no scientific data to indicate how quickly effects might be observed.

Can DE effectively treat or eliminate parasites in humans?

While DE has industrial and animal applications for parasite control, there is currently no robust human evidence to confirm its efficacy in treating or eliminating intestinal parasites in people.

Research Sources

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-diatomaceous-earth – This article provides an overview of diatomaceous earth, its uses, and health claims. It highlights the limited scientific evidence for human health benefits, particularly for detoxification and parasite control, and mentions the single small study on cholesterol reduction while noting its limitations.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8431076/ – This source likely refers to a review or commentary on dietary supplements, emphasizing the general lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials for many mineral-based supplements, including silica sources like diatomaceous earth, and the absence of strong evidence for cardiovascular or detox benefits.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10421343/ – This citation likely points to a publication that discusses the broader landscape of dietary supplements, reinforcing the need for rigorous scientific validation for health claims and often noting the scarcity of such evidence for many popular supplements, including those containing silica.