Diatomaceous earth (DE) seems to be making a comeback among health-conscious consumers.  For some of us this chalky white powder conjures up images of organic insecticides rather than nutritional supplements but an increasing number of people are consuming food-grade diatomaceous earth for its purported health benefits.

Diatomaceous earth is made from the skeletal remains of tiny aquatic organisms call diatoms. It consists of approximately 85 percent amorphous silicon dioxide the prized ingredient with many acclaimed health benefits. Various minerals make up the remaining components. The fine microscopic exoskeletons present in DE makes it mildly abrasive and helpful as an exfoliate a cleaning agent and for scrubbing the intestines. 

Silicon is a prolific component of the earth’s crust and is the second most abundant element in soil. It is also present in various tissues of the human body especially connective tissues and bone. However its function is somewhat elusive. It is thought that silicon is involved in the synthesis and stabilization of collagen explaining its importance in structural repair. Animal studies verify this theory by showing structural defects in connective and skeletal tissues in the presence of a silicon deficiency. Thus DE may be beneficial for individuals with osteoporosis arthritis or other joint conditions.

Most dietary silicon comes from plant-derived foods but the content is determined by soil levels. Unrefined cereal grains are the largest sources of silicon in the diet but drinking water and seafood also contain some amounts. 

The amount of silicon absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract from DE seems to be small and dependent on many variables. However once in the blood silicon only remains in the body for four to eight hours before being excreted through the kidneys. Renal clearance is very high but some is absorbed by tissues before being eliminated. This small amount of silicon may prove to have some significant health benefits. 

The FDA does list food-grade DE as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) and there have been very few side effects reported making it a safe substance for most individuals. It is a very common additive in many different types of foods beverages supplements and pharmaceuticals. 

Diatomaceous earth is most often used as an internal detoxification agent. It sweeps the gut of various microbes including parasites using two mechanisms of action. First DE possesses an electrical charge that attracts viruses and parasites binding them and ushering them out of the gut. For this same reason DE has been prominently used in water filters to collect and filtrate various bacteria and viruses.

DE also eradicates microbes using a mechanical method. The sharp diatoms cut through the bodies of parasites while its absorptive abilities help remove them from the gastrointestinal tract. In a study seeking to understand how well DE performed as an internal anti-parasitic in egg laying hens it was found that dietary DE significantly lowered parasite loads compared to untreated hens.  

The absorptive and detoxifying effects of DE have also been shown to effectively remove heavy metals. Silicon itself can help prevent aluminum absorption in the mouth and inhibit aluminum accumulation in the brain. 

Not only can DE internally support the skin hair and nails by supporting collagen but many people enjoy using it as an external detoxifier for the skin. Its gentle exfoliating power can clear away toxins oil residues microbes and dirt leaving behind freshly cleaned purified skin. Therefore DE is a well-known (and inexpensive) beauty agent for many women. It is also a common addition to toothpaste because its abrasive nature can help shine the teeth.

Finally DE is a very effective mechanical insecticide. It can safely clear your home yard and pets from obnoxious pests when sprinkled in and around your living space or when rubbed into your pet’s fur. Its sharp edges cut through the exoskeleton of insects allowing them to dehydrate and eventually die.