Last verified: 17 days ago
Bentonite Clay
Also known as: calcium montmorillonite, sodium bentonite, montmorillonite clay, CMM clay
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Natural volcanic clay used as a binder for toxins. Animal data is promising; human evidence is very limited.
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What it does
Bentonite clay is a naturally occurring volcanic mineral clay with a strong negative charge that allows it to bind positively charged toxins, heavy metals, and mycotoxins in the gut. Animal...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose for human supplementation from provided studies
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Found in
What the Science Says
Bentonite clay is a naturally occurring volcanic mineral clay with a strong negative charge that allows it to bind positively charged toxins, heavy metals, and mycotoxins in the gut. Animal studies show it can reduce the harmful effects of aflatoxins and other fungal toxins when added to contaminated feed. A narrative review suggests potential uses in gut health, skin support, and as an adjunct in detoxification protocols, but robust human clinical trial data is largely absent from the available evidence.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to 'detox' your body in any meaningful way in humans. No solid clinical evidence it removes heavy metals from the human body when taken orally. Won't cure acne or digestive disorders on its own. The skin-smoothing and hydration benefits seen in one study were for a clay-vectorized hyaluronic acid product — not plain bentonite clay. Don't expect it to protect you from food poisoning or environmental toxins based on current human data.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Binds aflatoxins and other fungal toxins in the gut, reducing their harmful effects in animal models.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
When used as a carrier for hyaluronic acid, helps it penetrate deeper skin layers and reduce fine lines.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Poor — bentonite clay is not absorbed. It works by binding substances in the gut and passing through. This is both its proposed mechanism and a limitation, as it may also bind beneficial nutrients and medications.
Red Flags to Watch For
- May bind and reduce absorption of medications, vitamins, and minerals — do not take alongside other supplements or drugs without medical advice
- Some commercial bentonite clay products have been found to contain lead and other heavy metals — look for third-party tested, pharmaceutical-grade products
- No established safe or effective human dose from the provided clinical studies
- Most supporting evidence comes from animal studies (pigs, dairy cows), not human trials
- Marketed aggressively for 'full body detox' with no human RCT evidence to support this claim
Products Containing Bentonite Clay
See how Bentonite Clay is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bentonite Clay do?
Natural volcanic clay used as a binder for toxins. Animal data is promising; human evidence is very limited.
What is the effective dose of Bentonite Clay?
No established dose for human supplementation from provided studies
Is Bentonite Clay safe?
May bind and reduce absorption of medications, vitamins, and minerals — do not take alongside other supplements or drugs without medical advice
What doesn't Bentonite Clay do?
Not proven to 'detox' your body in any meaningful way in humans.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25