10% bioavailability. At best.
Diatomaceous earth contains 87-94% silica, but the body can't absorb it. Only one human study exists - with no control group. Better options deliver 17x more absorbable silicon.
The silicon passes right through.
DE exists as fully cross-linked amorphous silicon dioxide with no free silanol groups necessary for absorption. When researchers studied DE consumption, the amount of silicon in participants' urine remained unchanged even after consuming several grams.
Maximum conversion to absorbable orthosilicic acid
Bioavailability from alcohol-free beer
The particle size problem: DE particles measure 5-50 micrometers - far too large for intestinal uptake, which requires monomeric species smaller than 1 nanometer.
One study. No control group. 25 years ago.
After extensive searching of medical databases, only one human clinical trial has ever been published - the 1998 Wachter study. 19 people with high cholesterol took 750mg of DE daily for 8 weeks.
The Fatal Flaw
While cholesterol levels decreased 13.2%, the study had no placebo control group. It's impossible to determine whether DE or placebo effect caused the changes. No researcher has attempted to replicate these findings in 25 years.
2025 Research Found Concerning Changes
- 32-35% reduction in villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (absorptive surface area)
- 37-61% increase in goblet cells creating thicker mucus barrier
- 24-54% decrease in key fat absorption proteins
Why people report benefits despite poor absorption.
Placebo Effect
"Detoxification" marketing creates powerful expectations. The ritual of taking a daily supplement can trigger positive behavioral changes.
Bulk-Forming Effects
DE acts similar to dietary fiber, which can temporarily affect bowel movements. Some get constipation relief, others experience increased constipation from water absorption.
Increased Water Intake
DE's dehydrating effects often lead to increased water consumption, which has its own benefits - incorrectly attributed to the supplement.
Confirmation Bias
Normal bodily variations get interpreted as improvements. The mechanical presence of particles in the gut may cause changes interpreted as "cleansing."
Hidden risks in the powder.
Crystalline Silica (up to 2%)
Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen when inhaled. Handling powder during daily supplementation creates inhalation opportunities.
Drug Interactions
Can bind to medications, potentially reducing effectiveness. Particularly concerning for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows.
Nutrient Malabsorption
Thickened mucus layer and reduced transport proteins could interfere with fat and fat-soluble vitamin absorption.
No FDA Approval
Not approved for direct human consumption as a supplement. In 2019, FDA issued warning letters to companies making health claims about DE products.
Silicon sources that actually work.
Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid
17% bioavailabilityMultiple randomized controlled trials demonstrate benefits for bone density, skin elasticity, and hair quality. Stabilization prevents polymerization, maintaining absorbable form.
Alcohol-Free Beer
60% bioavailabilityExceptional bioavailability due to silicon extracted from barley during brewing.
Whole Grains, Green Beans, Bananas
Naturally absorbableFood sources provide 20-50mg silicon daily in typical Western diets - meeting physiological needs without supplementation risks.
BioSil (choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid) is our recommended option. The liquid drops are more cost-effective than capsules and allow dosage adjustment.
Marketing claims vs. scientific reality.
The gap is vast. Until rigorous, placebo-controlled studies demonstrate both safety and efficacy for long-term DE consumption, evidence strongly favors proven alternatives - or simply a nutritious diet.