Diatomaceous Earth
Useful mainly for no well-established supplement use; marketed mainly as a silica source.
Quick decision guide
May help most
no well-established supplement use; marketed mainly as a silica source
Common dosing range
Often ~1 teaspoon (a few grams) food-grade powder in liquid, though no validated dose exists
When to expect effects
Not established
Watch out for
Inhaling the powder can damage the lungs; only food-grade (amorphous) should ever be ingested
What is it
Diatomaceous earth is a soft sedimentary powder made from the fossilized silica shells of diatoms (single-celled algae). Food-grade diatomaceous earth is mostly amorphous silicon dioxide and is sold as a source of silica and as a folk remedy, despite very little human efficacy data. It is distinct from the crystalline (pool-grade) form, which is hazardous to inhale.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
dietary silica intake Mixed Evidence | Unquantified | not established | Not established |
dietary silica intake
- Effect
- Unquantified
- Best fit
- not established
- Time
- Not established
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
dietary silica intake
Mechanism onlyFood-grade diatomaceous earth is largely amorphous silicon dioxide and can contribute silica to the diet, but the bioavailability of silicon from this source and any downstream health effect are not established in humans. Popular claims for detoxification, parasite removal, or cholesterol lowering are not supported by credible clinical trials.
Bottom line: Beyond providing some silica of uncertain absorption, there is no reliable human evidence of benefit.
Evidence is mixed
Marketing claims (detox, parasites, cholesterol) far exceed the near-absent human data, which do not demonstrate any clinical effect.
How it works
How to take it
What to track
2 commercial forms
Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.
Food-grade DE powder
The only form appropriate for ingestion. Look for products labeled 'food grade' and meeting FDA food additive specifications. Avoid dust inhalation when handling.
Loose powder; for mixing with water for oral use.
DE capsules
Encapsulated food-grade DE. Convenient and reduces inhalation risk from loose powder.
Pre-dosed; avoids dust inhalation risk.
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Serious risks
lung injury or silicosis-type damage from inhaling the powder, especially crystalline (non-food-grade) forms
Who should avoid it
- people who cannot avoid inhaling the dust
- anyone considering non-food-grade (pool/filter) diatomaceous earth, which must never be ingested
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
No safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding; avoid.
Interactions
An inert adsorbent powder could theoretically reduce absorption if taken at the same time; separate dosing
Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
Frequently asked questions
Is diatomaceous earth safe to eat?⌄
Food-grade DE is considered low-toxicity orally for short-term use. Pool-grade DE contains crystalline silica that is hazardous and must never be ingested. Long-term safety of regular oral food-grade DE is not well established.
What is the difference between food-grade and pool-grade DE?⌄
Food-grade DE contains amorphous silica with low crystalline silica content. Pool-grade DE is heat-treated, converting silica to crystalline form that can damage lungs if inhaled and may not be safe to consume. Use only food-grade for any oral application.
Does DE remove parasites?⌄
Despite popular claims, no controlled clinical evidence supports DE as a treatment for intestinal parasites in humans. If parasites are suspected, see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can I get silica from DE for my hair and nails?⌄
DE contains silica but absorption from DE is poor. For silicon nutrition, food sources or specific silicon supplements (like ortho-silicic acid or choline-stabilized ortho-silicic acid) are better studied.
What precautions should I take when handling DE?⌄
Avoid inhaling the dust, even with food-grade DE. Mix it underwater rather than scooping in dry, or wear a dust mask. Keep away from eyes.
References by claim
Track Diatomaceous Earth with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.