How Much Does Activated Charcoal Cost?
Activated charcoal, considered to be one of the finest natural absorbent agents, traps toxins and chemicals in the body, allowing them to be flushed out so the body doesn’t reabsorb them.
One of the most popular uses is for an effective treatment for poisoning and drug overdoses, often used in trauma centers across the world. In addition, it can also help with bloating, lowering cholesterol, treating bile flow problems and even preventing hangovers.
How much does activated charcoal cost?
At most local pharmacies or retailers, activated charcoal will come in 100 capsules, 280mg containers, often retailing for $6 to $11 or about $0.01 per gram. The costs will greatly depend on where you purchase it and the brand.
For example, at Walgreen’s, the highly rated Nature’s Way activated charcoal retails for about $10 per 100 capsule container.
On Amazon.com, however, the costs of a 1.2-ounce powdered food grade activated charcoal retailed for less than $7, whereas the same Nature’s Way container Walgreen’s sold was a few dollars cheaper.
Those looking to purchase activated charcoal by the ton can be prepared to pay anywhere from $400 to $2,800+ per metric ton. These were the prices we commonly found on Alibaba.com.
As for activated charcoal filters, a large filter, about 10 fluid ounces in size, can cost about $5 to $7. Activated charcoal at Petsmart, for example, costs about $7.
Where to buy activated charcoal
Activated charcoal can be purchased both online via Amazon, Walmart, GNC or in person at a local CVS, Walgreen’s or Walmart.
It can be found in either the natural remedy aisle or near other supplement-related capsules.
Tips to know:
Activating charcoal will work by trapping toxins and chemicals by its millions of tiny pores. It won’t necessarily “absorb” the toxins, however; instead, it will work through a chemical reaction process what’s known as adsorption. This is the reaction of elements, including chemicals, nutrients and toxins that are soaked up and assimilated into the bloodstream. The porous surface, according to Dr. Axe, has a negative electric charge that can cause positively charged toxins and gas to bond with it.
Activated charcoal is not the charcoal you use on your backyard grill. This type of charcoal is loaded with many chemicals and toxins and should never be consumed.
It is suggested you take two capsules two to three times per day, at least three to four hours before a meal or as recommended by your physician.
As per Dr. Axe, the same source mentioned prior, activated charcoal can be used to whiten your teeth, alleviate bloating, prevent hangovers, filter water, remove toxins in an emergency and reduce high cholesterol.
Not all supplements will be created equally and this is why it’s very important to pay close attention to the ingredient label. A good activated charcoal will be made from either coconut shells or an identified wood species. In the powdered form, many brands often include artificial sweeteners to add more of a taste to it.
Activated charcoal is deemed safe for most, but it doesn’t mean side effects won’t persist. Activated charcoal can interfere with the absorption of nutrients, supplements and even prescription medications in some cases. Always talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.
How can I save money?
Be sure to price compare as most retailers we looked at greatly varied by a few dollars. At the time of this publishing, it appeared as if Amazon was the cheapest option, followed by Walgreen’s. If you have time to wait a day or so, Amazon.com seems to be the best option.
Buying in bulk can often bring the costs down as well.
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Average Reported Cost: $0
