Clinoptilolite Zeolite. The Ultimate Safe and Effective Detoxifier of Deadly Toxins

Clinoptilolite, a type of natural zeolite, is commonly used in various applications, including as a dietary supplement, animal feed additive, and in medical treatments. When ingested, clinoptilolite zeolite does not break down in the human body in the same way that organic compounds or food substances do. Instead, it passes through the digestive system largely unchanged, exerting its effects through adsorption and ion exchange mechanisms.

Here’s a closer look at how clinoptilolite behaves in the human body: Clinoptilolite zeolite has a highly porous structure with a large surface area, allowing it to adsorb molecules, ions, and toxins onto its surface[i]. In the digestive tract, clinoptilolite, being negatively charged can bind to various substances, including heavy metals, toxins, and metabolic byproducts, reducing these toxic substances absorption abilities and removing them from the body[ii].

Zeolites like clinoptilolite are known for their ion exchange capacity, wherein certain ions in the zeolite structure can be exchanged with positively charged ions, called cations.  Heavy metal ions are metallic elements characterized by their high atomic weights and densities, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium, among others. In biological systems, these positively charged ions can exert toxic effects, disrupting cellular processes and leading to various health problems when present in elevated concentrations. Heavy metal ions are known for their persistence in the environment and bioaccumulative properties, posing risks to human health through exposure via air, water, food, and soil contamination[iii]. They can interfere with vital functions in the body, including enzyme activity[iv], DNA synthesis[v][vi], and neurotransmitter regulation[vii], contributing to conditions such as neurotoxicity, organ damage, and carcinogenicity[viii].

After passing through the digestive system, clinoptilolite zeolite is typically excreted from the body via feces. It is not metabolized or broken down into smaller components like organic compounds. Instead, it retains its structural integrity and adsorption capacity throughout its passage[ix][x].

Clinoptilolite zeolite is generally regarded as biocompatible and safe for human consumption. Numerous studies have investigated its safety profile and potential health benefits, particularly in detoxification and gastrointestinal health. However, as with any dietary supplement or additive, it’s important to use clinoptilolite zeolite according to recommended dosages and under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

In summary, clinoptilolite zeolite does not break down in the human body but rather passes through the digestive system while exerting its effects through adsorption, ion exchange, and other mechanisms. Its biocompatibility and safety make it a popular ingredient in dietary supplements and other products aimed at detoxification and gastrointestinal support. However, as with any supplement, it’s essential to use clinoptilolite zeolite responsibly and in accordance with recommended guidelines.

BACK: Zeolite, the Many Types and Their Applications

<<<BACK

Citations

[i] Mastinu A, Kumar A, Maccarinelli G, Bonini SA, Premoli M, Aria F, Gianoncelli A, Memo M. Zeolite Clinoptilolite: Therapeutic Virtues of an Ancient Mineral. Molecules. 2019 Apr 17;24(8):1517. doi: 10.3390/molecules24081517. PMID: 30999685; PMCID: PMC6515299.
[ii] James L Flowers, Stewart A Lonky & Erik J Deitsch (2009) Clinical evidence supporting the use of an activated clinoptilolite suspension as an agent to increase urinary excretion of toxic heavy metals, Nutrition and Dietary Supplements, 11-18, DOI: 10.2147/NDS.S8043
[iii] Zinia Haidar, Kaniz Fatema, Sabrina Samad Shoily, Abu Ashfaqur Sajib, Disease-associated metabolic pathways affected by heavy metals and metalloid, Toxicology Reports,Volume 10,2023,Pages 554-570,ISSN 2214-7500, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.04.010
[iv] Witkowska D, Słowik J, Chilicka K. Heavy Metals and Human Health: Possible Exposure Pathways and the Competition for Protein Binding Sites. Molecules. 2021 Oct 7;26(19):6060. doi: 10.3390/molecules26196060. PMID: 34641604; PMCID: PMC8511997.
[v] Dutta K, Prasad P, Sinha D. Chronic low level arsenic exposure evokes inflammatory responses and DNA damage. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2015 Aug;218(6):564-74. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2015.06.003. Epub 2015 Jun 19. PMID: 26118750.
[vi] Patlolla AK, Barnes C, Yedjou C, Velma VR, Tchounwou PB. Oxidative stress, DNA damage, and antioxidant enzyme activity induced by hexavalent chromium in Sprague-Dawley rats. Environ Toxicol. 2009 Feb;24(1):66-73. doi: 10.1002/tox.20395. PMID: 18508361; PMCID: PMC2769560.
[vii] Carmona A, Roudeau S, Ortega R. Molecular Mechanisms of Environmental Metal Neurotoxicity: A Focus on the Interactions of Metals with Synapse Structure and Function. Toxics. 2021 Aug 27;9(9):198. doi: 10.3390/toxics9090198. PMID: 34564349; PMCID: PMC8471991.
[viii] Saikat Mitra, Arka Jyoti Chakraborty, Abu Montakim Tareq, Talha Bin Emran, Firzan Nainu, Ameer Khusro, Abubakr M. Idris, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Hamid Osman, Fahad A. Alhumaydhi, Jesus Simal-Gandara, Impact of heavy metals on the environment and human health: Novel therapeutic insights to counter the toxicity, Journal of King Saud University – Science,Volume 34, Issue 3,2022,101865,ISSN 1018-3647, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2022.101865.
[ix] Çelikbaş İ, Mavi E, Hepokur C. The evaluation of the effects of natural zeolite (Clinoptilolite) in diabetic rats on bone healing in dental extracting socket. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2023 Jan-Feb;13(1):36-40. doi: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2022.10.007. Epub 2022 Oct 26. PMID: 36353678; PMCID: PMC9638813.
[x] Kraljević Pavelić S, Simović Medica J, Gumbarević D, Filošević A, Pržulj N, Pavelić K. Critical Review on Zeolite Clinoptilolite Safety and Medical Applications in vivo. Front Pharmacol. 2018 Nov 27;9:1350. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01350. PMID: 30538633; PMCID: PMC6277462.