Colloidal Minerals
OTHER NAME(S): Anhydrous Aluminum Silicates, Bioelectrical Minerals, Clay Suspension Products, Colloidal Trace Minerals, Humic Shale, Oligo-Éléments Colloïdaux, Plant-Derived Liquid Minerals, Schiste Humique, None., Minerales Coloidales, Minéraux Colloïdaux
Overview
Colloidal minerals are taken from clay or shale deposits. Historically, some Native American tribes used clay as medicine. The medicinal use of clay-based products in modern days was first encouraged by a southern Utah rancher. Now colloidal minerals are widely promoted.
Despite safety concerns, colloidal minerals are used as a supplement of trace minerals. Colloidal minerals are also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of its uses.
There isn't enough information to know how colloidal minerals might work. Despite claims that colloidal minerals are more usable by the body than other minerals, there isn't any evidence to support this idea.
There isn't enough information to know how colloidal minerals might work. Despite claims that colloidal minerals are more usable by the body than other minerals, there isn't any evidence to support this idea.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Mineral deficiencies.
- Low energy.
- Diabetes.
- Arthritis.
- Reducing blood cell clumping.
- Reversing early cataracts.
- Turning gray hair dark again.
- Flushing poisonous heavy metals from the body.
- Improving general well-being.
- Reducing aches and pains.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of colloidal minerals for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Colloidal minerals are POSSIBLY UNSAFE for use. The content of these products varies, depending on the source of the clay. Some products might contain metals such as aluminum, arsenic, lead, barium, nickel, and titanium in potentially harmful amounts. There is also concern that some products might contain radioactive metals.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Colloidal minerals are POSSIBLY UNSAFE for use. The content of these products varies, depending on the source of the clay. Some products might contain metals such as aluminum, arsenic, lead, barium, nickel, and titanium in potentially harmful amounts. There is also concern that some products might contain radioactive metals.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to use colloidal minerals if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. There is concern about the metals some products might contain. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Too much iron in the body (hemochromatosis): Hemochromatosis is an inherited disorder. If you have this condition, taking colloidal minerals might make it worse.
Inability to use copper (Wilson's disease): Wilson's disease is an inherited disorder. If you have this condition, taking colloidal minerals might make it worse.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Colloidal Minerals overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of colloidal minerals depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for colloidal minerals. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Colloidal minerals in brief. http://www.colloidal.com.au/ (Accessed 23 July 1999).
- Wallach J. Dr. Joel Wallach's colloidal minerals. http://www.elementsofhealth.com/b1.html (Accessed 23 July 1999).
- Schauss A. Colloidal minerals: Clinical implications of clay suspension products sold as dietary supplements. Amer J Nat Med 1997;4:5-10.
- Sposito G, Skipper NT, Sutton R, et al. Surface geochemistry of the clay minerals. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1999;96:3358-64.
- Schrauzer G. An overview of liquid mineral supplements. Int J of Integrative Med 1999;1:18-22.