Zeolite is a naturally occurring mineral produced when volcanic ash interacts with sea or lake water. Zeolite minerals are used in everything from antacids to cat litter, and interest is growing in the use of zeolites as dietary supplements, including to help certain individuals with autism. Liquid forms of zeolite are sold under names including Megamin, clinoptilolite and Lycopenomin. Liquid zeolite can interact with other medications, so you should consult your doctor before taking or administering zeolite supplements. Consult your doctor before attempting to self-medicate or treat your child with any supplements.
Chelation Effects
Many children who have autism are found to have higher than typical levels of toxins and heavy metals in their bodies. Sometimes such toxins and heavy metals can be removed or reduced in the the body by a process known as chelation. Zeolites are believed to cause chelation by binding to toxins and heavy metals in the body, and flushing them out. A 2006 study using a form of liquid zeolite known as clinoptilolite suspension found that the supplement helped lower body levels of mercury, lead, antimony, bismuth, cadmium, tin, nickel, arsenic and aluminum.
Liquids and Dehydration
Dehydration is a common side effect of zeolite supplementation, as zeolite will typically increase your water loss through urine, sweat, feces and mucous. Dehydration can cause a range of minor or major medical problems. To avoid dehydration while taking liquid zeolite, you should drink the amount of water, in ounces, that equates to half your body weight in pounds. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink a minimum of 75 fluid ounces of water each day while you are taking liquid zeolite.
Dosage
The manufacturers of Activated Liquid Zeolite indicate that between six and 30 drops of liquid zeolite is a recommended daily dose. Liquid zeolite can be added to any kind of food. In comparison to a solid or powdered supplement, the liquid form of zeolite can be made more palatable for a child with autism. The daily dosage of liquid zeolite should be split into three even doses of 2 to 10 drops, to be taken with each meal.
Warnings
According to Ingalill Eriksson, in 2004 a Ph.D student at Sweden's Evolutionary Biology Centre, zeolite supplements may contain harmful or even carcinogenic materials. Eriksson indicates that the zeolite dietary supplement sold as Vulkansandkuren was found to contain dioxins, lead and arsenic. Additionally, Eriksson reported that high levels of aluminum, mercury, chromium, copper, nickel and cadmium were found in this zeolite supplement. Further research is needed to establish whether liquid zeolite supplementation is beneficial or potentially harmful to patients with autism.
References
- La Roca Magica: Uses of Natural Zeolites in Agriculture and Industry
- Medical News Today: Body Detox of Volcanic Ash Cause Cancer!
- "Veterinary Journal"; Effect of Pre-Calving Zeolite, Magnesium and Phosphorus; A. Pallesen; 2008
- "Advances in Therapy"; Dietary Supplementation With the TMAZ Clinoptilolite; Slavko Ivkovic et al.; March 2004
- "Colloidal Minerals and Trace Elements"; M.F. Muller; 2005
- "Clinical Dentistry"; Study on Effect of Mouthrinse Containing Silver Zeolite; M. Morishita; 1998
