Overview

Diatomaceous earth is a type of sand, which contains large amounts of silica. Dietary supplements that contain diatomaceous earth are sometimes used as silica supplements and for various other reasons, but their benefits are not well defined. The powder is also commonly used as a pesticide. Diatomaceous earth seems to be well tolerated when taken by mouth, but the powder can irritate your eyes, lungs, and skin. Before taking diatomaceous earth, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is diatomaceous earth used for?

Diatomaceous earth is used for various reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using diatomaceous earth include the following.

• To improve the health and appearance of the hair, skin, and/or nails
• To improve bone health
• To remove toxins

Note: The FDA has not reviewed diatomaceous earth for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does diatomaceous earth work (mechanism of action)?

Diatomaceous earth, or diatomite, is a type of sand that is found in streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. It forms over hundreds of years from the fossilized skeletons of algae. These skeletons contain large amounts of silica (silicon dioxide), which is a form of silicon. Silicon is an element that is naturally found in soil and many foods.

The most common use for diatomaceous earth is as a pesticide and insecticide. Diatomaceous earth is a powder that can absorb large amounts of liquid. When insects come into contact with this powder, it absorbs the oils and fats from their bodies, causing them to dry out and die. This can be helpful for dealing with bedbugs, cockroaches, fleas, spiders, ants, silverfish, and more.

Dietary supplements that contain diatomaceous earth are sometimes labeled as a source of silica. Silica is thought to help improve the health of the bones, skin, hair, and nails. But it is not entirely clear how your body uses silica. Most people get enough silica from their diets, and the effects of more silica on your body are not well defined.

The chemicals and substances found in diatomaceous earth depend on where it came from. The amounts of each chemical, including silica, in a specific product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store diatomaceous earth?

You should store diatomaceous earth according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of diatomaceous earth?

While less common, the most serious side effects of diatomaceous earth are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Diatomaceous earth may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using diatomaceous earth and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use diatomaceous earth?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use diatomaceous earth.

• Diatomaceous earth (DE)
• Diatomite
• Kieselguhr
• Silica
• Silicon dioxide
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific diatomaceous earth products they stock.

What should I know about diatomaceous earth before using it?

Diatomaceous earth is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep diatomaceous earth out of the reach of children.

Be careful when handling diatomaceous earth powder. If you accidentally breathe in this powder, it can irritate your nose and lungs. Getting the powder in your eyes or on your skin can cause dryness and irritation. You should wash these areas with water right away. If you are using diatomaceous earth as a pesticide, wear gloves and other protective gear. If you are using diatomaceous earth as a supplement, consider using products that are available as tablets or capsules instead of powders.

Diatomaceous earth naturally contains many different chemicals and substances. Diatomaceous earth products come from various locations around the world. Each source may contain different types and amounts of silica and other substances. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested diatomaceous earth products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using diatomaceous earth?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if diatomaceous earth is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Asthma or other lung problems
• Kidney or liver problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how diatomaceous earth could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if diatomaceous earth passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does diatomaceous earth interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between diatomaceous earth and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect diatomaceous earth.

Does diatomaceous earth interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between diatomaceous earth and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between diatomaceous earth and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with diatomaceous earth is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking diatomaceous earth with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much diatomaceous earth?

If you or someone else has used too much diatomaceous earth, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Diatomaceous earth is a complex substance that contains many ingredients. It is usually available as a powder or in capsules. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take diatomaceous earth safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.