Health & Medicinal

NewCarbon’s activated carbon (AC) is sustainably manufactured from local feedstocks and is produced on site through our proprietary plant in Sedgefield. Our pyrolysis process involves the activation of our biocarbon at high temperatures in an oxygen free, engineered, and controlled environment. This activation process results in a highly porous product which has a high adsorption surface area ideally suited to the growing health markets in South Africa and abroad. This property allows it to bind to molecules, ions, or atoms and remove them from dissolved substances in the stomach. Whilst The World Health Organisation has approved activated charcoal or carbon for the emergency treatment of overdoses or poisonings, much research still needs to be conducted to conclusively report on the many perceived health benefits of activated carbon. Many of the over-the-counter products in the market rely on the unique properties of activated carbon for their impact on human health.

The applications of activated carbon in the health and wellness industry are extensive, some of which are mentioned below (Source : Medical News Today) :

• Kidney Health : Studies have shown that AC may be able to assist kidney function by filtering out undigested toxins and drugs.
• Water filtration : AC in water treatment and filtration is able to absorb a range of toxins, drugs, viruses, bacteria, fungus and chemicals found in water.
• Intestinal Gas: AC is thought to be able to disrupt intestinal gas. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reported that there is sufficient evidence to support the use of AC to reduce excessive gas accumulation
• Diarrhea : Given AC’s use as a gastrointestinal absorbent in overdoses and poisonings it follows that AC has been proposed as a treatment for diarrhea.
• Teeth Whitening and oral health : There are numerous over the counter oral health products that contain AC. It is claimed to have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and detoxifying properties. Currently there is not sufficient clinical or laboratory data to determine the safety or effectiveness of teeth whitening or oral health.
• Skincare : Researchers have reported that AC can help draw microparticles such as dirt. Dist, chemicals, toxins, and bacteria to the surface of the skin which makes their removal easier.
• Deodorant : Various AC deodorants are widely available. AC may absorb smells and harmful gases making it an ideal underarm, shoe and refrigerator deodorant. It is also reported to absorb excess moisture and control humidity levels at a micro
• Skin Infection : AC has been used to treat soft tissue conditions such as skin infections. AC may have an antibacterial effect by absorbing harmful microbes from wounds.

Whilst there have been no adverse reactions noted with activated carbon consumption at the prescribed levels, people taking medications should talk with a doctor before taking oral activated charcoal products, as these may interfere with absorption of their medication.