Diatomaceous earth is a type of sand that consists of fossilized algae. It is sometimes sold as a supplement and promoted as having some health benefits, but very limited research supports these claims.
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring sand extracted from the earth. It consists of microscopic skeletons of algae, known as
The diatoms in diatomaceous earth are largely made up of a chemical compound called silica.
Silica is found in nature as a component of everything from sand and rocks to plants and humans. Diatomaceous earth is a concentrated source of silica, which makes it unique.
Commercially available diatomaceous earth contains around 87% to 94% silica, several other trace minerals, and small amounts of iron oxide (rust).
Diatomaceous earth is most commonly used as a dust or powder for industrial purposes, such as a filter aid, an absorber for large spills, and an insecticide. It’s also used as an anti-caking or protection product in foods.
Learn more about the uses and benefits of diatomaceous earth.
Silica exists in
- Crystalline: This type is commonly found in sand, gravel, and quartz. Under a microscope, its sharp crystalline form looks like glass.
- Amorphous: This type can be found naturally in the environment or created synthetically to not have any crystalline. Amorphous silica is commonly used in industrial applications.
The two main types of diatomaceous earth vary in their concentrations of crystalline silica:
- Food grade: This type contains up to 2% crystalline silica and is used as an insecticide and an anti-caking agent in the agricultural and food industries.
- Filter grade: This type contains around 60% crystalline silica. It’s toxic to mammals but has many industrial uses, including water filtration and dynamite production.
Diatomaceous earth is present in thousands of industrial and consumer products due to its anti-caking, thickening, absorbent, filtration, and insecticide properties.
The table below showcases some of the industrial, pharmacological, and personal hygiene products that may contain some forms of silica:
Personal products | Industrial products |
---|---|
• makeup • hair dye • toothpaste • bath oils, soaps, and salts • moisturizers • deodorants • foot sprays | • food additives • food packaging • silicone rubber • insulation • liquid coatings, paints, and adhesives • fire extinguishers • tubes • boats • windows • lasers • ceramics, paper, and cardboard • water filters • electronics |
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is often used as an insecticide.
According to the National Pesticide Information Center, there are more than 150 products with diatomaceous earth that are approved and registered as insecticides. Some of these are for use against:
- bed bugs
- cockroaches
- crickets
- fleas
- ticks
- spiders
Diatomaceous earth works as an insecticide by removing the insect’s waxy outer coating from its exoskeleton. This causes the insect to die from
Research suggests that products containing diatomaceous earth may also be effective in killing mites, parasites, and internal worms when used in combination with other insecticide methods.
However, more research is needed to understand the effects of diatomaceous earth in agricultural settings.
What is taking diatomaceous earth good for?
Food-grade diatomaceous earth has recently become popular as a dietary supplement. Some people claim that it could help:
- cleanse the digestive tract
- support healthy digestion
- manage cholesterol levels
- improve heart health
- provide the body with trace minerals
- improve bone health
- promote hair growth
- promote skin health and strong nails
However, very limited studies have examined any of the possible health effects of diatomaceous earth on humans, so most of these claims are theoretical and anecdotal.
Silicon, which is the non-oxidized form of silica, is one of many minerals stored in your body.
Its exact role is not well understood, but some research suggests it may contribute to the health and structural integrity of nails, hair, and skin.
Taking around 25 milligrams (mg) of silicone per day may have some bone health benefits, but researchers conclude that more research is needed to understand these possible benefits.
One major health claim for diatomaceous earth is that it can help you detox by cleansing your digestive tract.
This may be based on its ability to filter heavy metals, bacteria, and sediments from water, the main property that makes diatomaceous earth a popular industrial-grade filter.
Although a 2023 review suggests that silica may help filter out toxins like aluminum, no human research verifies this mechanism can be applied to human digestion — or that it has any meaningful effect on your digestive system.
More importantly, no evidence supports the idea that people’s bodies are loaded with toxins that must be removed.
Your body is perfectly capable of neutralizing and removing toxins itself.
To date, only one small
In the study, 19 participants with high cholesterol took the supplement three times daily for 8 weeks. At the end of the study:
- total cholesterol decreased by 13.2%
- LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides decreased slightly
- HDL “good” cholesterol increased
However, since this trial didn’t include a control group, it cannot show that diatomaceous earth was responsible for lowering cholesterol.
The researchers concluded that a placebo-controlled study is required.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe to consume. It passes through your digestive system unchanged and does not enter the bloodstream.
However, you need to be very careful not to inhale diatomaceous earth.
Doing so can irritate your lungs, much like inhaling dust, but the silica makes it exceptionally harmful.
Inhaling crystalline silica can cause inflammation and scarring of your lungs, known as silicosis. This condition most commonly occurs in people who work with certain types of rock, sand, and natural materials, such as miners.
Symptoms usually take many years to develop.
Some older research suggests that silicone supplements may play a role in hair growth and hair loss prevention. However, very limited research has examined the link between diatomaceous earth and hair growth.
Diatomaceous earth is present in many skin care products that may be safe to rub on the skin and provide benefits. However, rubbing raw diatomaceous earth on the skin may cause cuts, burns, and open wounds.
Diatomaceous earth is marketed as a must-have wellness product.
However, while some supplements can boost your health, there is very limited evidence that diatomaceous earth is one of them.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you’re considering diatomaceous earth. They could help you decide if it’s right for you and suggest any alternatives.