Synthetic Zeolite Supplementation as a Potential Candidate for the Therapy of Diabetic Syndrome.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Natural and Synthetic Zeolite (SZ) is potentially useful for biopharmaceuticals and bio tools due to its unique and outstanding physical and chemical properties. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the possible effect of synthetic zeolite in (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> About 4 groups of rats were used, (I) normal control, (II) SZ group, (300 mg/kg/day), (III) STZ group, diabetic rats acted as positive control and (IV) STZ+SZ group, included diabetic rats treated with synthetic zeolite (300 mg/kg/day), statistical analysis comparisons between means were carried out using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a post hock (Tukey) multiple comparisons test at p<u>></u>0.05. <b>Results:</b> After six weeks, treatment of diabetic animals with synthetic zeolite markedly exhibited a significant reduction in glucose, lipids, DNA fragmentation, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALAT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (ASAT), urea, creatinine, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Nitric Oxide (NO) levels concomitant with a significant rise in insulin, Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) values close to the corresponding values of healthy ones. <b>Conclusion:</b> In conclusion, synthetic zeolite exhibits multi-health benefits with promising potentials against STZ-induced diabetes, this behaviour may be attributed to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging mechanisms.

Treatment of osteoporosis with a modified zeolite shows beneficial effects in an osteoporotic rat model and a human clinical trial.

The severity of osteoporosis in humans manifests in its high incidence and by its complications that diminish quality of life. A societal consequence of osteoporosis is the substantial burden that it inflicts upon patients and their families. Several bone-modifying drugs have been prescribed to patients with osteoporosis. However, evidence for their anti-fracture efficacy remains inconclusive. To the contrary, long-term use of anti-osteoporotic drugs such as bisphosphonates and Denosumab, an RANKL inhibitor, have resulted in adverse events. We now present an alternative and adjuvant approach for treatment of osteoporosis. The data derive from in vivo studies in an ovariectomized rat model and from a randomized double blind, placebo-controlled human clinical study. Both studies involved treatment with Panaceo Micro Activation (PMA)-zeolite-clinoptilolite, a defined cation exchange clinoptilolite, which clearly improved all bone histomorphometric parameters examined from ovariectomized animals, indicative for increased bone formation. Moreover, intervention with PMA-zeolite-clinoptilolite for one year proved safe in humans. Furthermore, patients treated with PMA-zeolite-clinoptilolite showed an increase in bone mineral density, an elevated level of markers indicative of bone formation, a significant reduction in pain, and significantly improved quality of life compared with patients in the control (placebo) group. These encouraging positive effects of PMA-zeolite-clinoptilolite on bone integrity and on osteoporosis warrant further evaluation of treatment with PMA-zeolite-clinoptilolite as a new alternative adjuvant therapy for osteoporosis.

Role of Compositum Zeolite® in management of inflammatory bowel disease: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Zeolites are crystalline mineral aluminosilicate compounds with microporous structures of tetrahedrons and huge porosity. In the gut, these silicates act as adsorbents, ion-exchangers, catalysts, detergents or antidiarrheic agents. In addition to its well-known antioxidant effect, a new potential advantage of Zeolite could be the microbiome modulation. In this scenery, we aimed to investigate the effect of this compound on inflammation among inflammatory bowel disease patients, assessing both clinical activity and inflammatory markers. METHODS: This was an open one branch pilot study involving 20 IBD patients, both affected with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis affering to San Giovanni Antica Sede Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza in Turin. Each patient was given Compositum Zeolite® 6 g/die for 56 days; follow-up time was 60 days from the end of Zeolite therapy. Primary outcomes of the study were to evaluate the improvement of the quality of life (Partial Mayo score or Harvey Bradshaw Index) and the compliance to therapy, while secondary outcome was the reduction of calprotectin value. RESULTS: Of the twenty patients enrolled, 4 did not attend the scheduled check-up visit and 2 reported non-adherence to the therapy with Compositum Zeolite® so these 6 patients were considered as drop out and their data were not included in statistical analysis. So, compliance rate was 70%, that is similar to general adherence to therapy in our setting. Regarding Ulcerative Colitis patients, at the moment of enrolment mean Mayo Partial Score (MPS) was 3.09 (CI: 1.76-4.41) while after 8 weeks of Compositum Zeolite® supplementation the mean MPS was 2.72 (CI: 1.45-4.00) (P=0.57) and after 60 days of follow-up mean MPS was 1.9 (CI: 0.85-2.97) (P=0.24). As Crohn's disease patients are concerned, HBI Score at enrolment was 5.3 (CI: 3.38-7.29) while mean score after 8 week of therapy was 4 (CI: 2.85-5.15) (P=0.042) and after 60 days of follow-up mean score was 3.1 (CI: 1.48-4.87) (P=0.18). Mean calprotectin value at enrolment was 925.64 (CI: 451.83-1399.45). while after 2 months of Compositum Zeolite® addon therapy was 952.72 (CI: 492.73-1412.73); P value 0.93. After 2 months of follow-up mean value was 724.45 (CI: 240.15-1208.73) P value 0.3. CONCLUSIONS: Compositum Zeolite® has a compliance rate similar to the other prescribed therapies and is a good addon therapy to improve activity indexes, mainly in Crohn's disease. It also seems to improve inflammatory indexes, even if maybe dose or time of therapy were insufficient to reach a full negativization of these parameters.

Zeolite Clinoptilolite: Therapeutic Virtues of an Ancient Mineral.

Zeolites are porous minerals with high absorbency and ion-exchange capacity. Their molecular structure is a dense network of AlO4 and SiO4 that generates cavities where water and other polar molecules or ions are inserted/exchanged. Even though there are several synthetic or natural occurring species of zeolites, the most widespread and studied is the naturally occurring zeolite clinoptilolite (ZC). ZC is an excellent detoxifying, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. As a result, it is been used in many industrial applications ranging from environmental remediation to oral applications/supplementation in vivo in humans as food supplements or medical devices. Moreover, the modification as micronization of ZC (M-ZC) or tribomechanically activated zeolite clinoptilolite (TMAZ) or furthermore as double tribomechanically activated zeolite clinoptilolite (PMA-ZC) allows improving its benefits in preclinical and clinical models. Despite its extensive use, many underlying action mechanisms of ZC in its natural or modified forms are still unclear, especially in humans. The main aim of this review is to shed light on the geochemical aspects and therapeutic potentials of ZC with a vision of endorsing further preclinical and clinical research on zeolites, in specific on the ZC and its modified forms as a potential agent for promoting human brain health and overall well-being.

Clinoptilolite for Treatment of Dyslipidemia: Preliminary Efficacy Study.

OBJECTIVES: A tribomechanically activated clinoptilolite (natural aluminosilicate mineral) has been used to increase growth in meat-producing animals, as an adjuvant in cancer therapy, and a heavy metal remover in humans. Because of its unique cation exchanging and chelating properties, we hypothesized that clinoptilolite may be beneficial for the treatment of dyslipidemia in the manner similar to bile acid sequestrants. Thus, specific aims of this pilot study were to orally administer clinoptilolite in different doses and granule size combinations to determine magnitude and time profile of changes in blood lipids. DESIGN: A phase I/IIa prospective, open-label, uncontrolled, dose/granule size-ranging study (treatment phase 8 weeks, follow-up 6 weeks). Blood lipids were examined every 2 weeks. SETTINGS: Outpatient clinic of a university-affiliated hospital. SUBJECTS: Forty-one subjects (all white, mean age 57.6 ± 6.8 years, 17 women) with blood lipids above the normative limits divided into three groups. INTERVENTION: A tribomechanically activated clinoptilolite was administered in three dose/grind combinations: 6 g/day of fine grind (6gF), 6 g/day of coarse grind (6gC), and 9 g/day of coarse grind (9gC). OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and triglycerides (TG). RESULTS: For the 3 groups combined, all lipid fractions significantly improved after 8 weeks of treatment (20-25%, p < 0.001), which reversed to baseline after 6 weeks of clinoptilolite withdrawal. Early (week 2) and the most pronounced decrease in TC and LDLc was observed in the 6gF group (19% and 23% in week 8, respectively), with no difference in HDLc and TG between the three dose/grind groups. No side effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: These pilot results suggest that oral administration of clinoptilolite may improve lipid profile in individuals with dyslipidemia, which warrants further investigations.

ZEOLITE: "THE MAGIC STONE"; MAIN NUTRITIONAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL FIELDS OF APPLICATION.

INTRODUCTION: zeolites (clinoptilolites) are a family of alluminosilicates and cations clustered to form macro aggregates by small individual cavities. In the medical area they are involved in detoxification mechanisms capturing ions and molecules into their holes. Actually, we classify about 140 types of natural and 150 synthetic zeolites, for specific and selective use. Clinoptilolite is a natural zeolite and it is the most widespread compound in the medical market. OBJECTIVE: this review analyzes the main fields of zeolite utilization. METHODS: we searched Pubmed/Medline using the terms "zeolite" and "clinoptilolite". RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: in zoothechnology and veterinary medicine zeolite improves the pets' fitness, removes radioactive elements, aflatoxines and poisons. Zeolite displays also antioxidant, whitening, hemostatic and anti-diarrhoic properties, projected in human care. However very scanty clinical studies have been run up to now in immunodeficiency, oncology after chemotherapy and radiotherapy as adjuvants. CONCLUSIONS: further clinical investigations are urgently required after this review article publication which updates the state of the art.

Introducción: las zeolitas (clinoptilolitas) son una familia de aluminosilicatos y cationes agrupada para formar agregados macro de pequeñas cavidades individuales. En el área médica están involucrados en los mecanismos de desintoxicación y en capturar iones y moléculas en sus agujeros. En realidad, clasificamos cerca de 140 tipos de zeolitas naturales y 150 sintéticas, para usos específicos y selectivos. La clinoptilolita es una zeolita natural y es el compuesto más extendido en el mercado médico. Objetivo: esta revisión analiza los principales campos de utilización de la zeolita. Métodos: se realizaron búsquedas en Pubmed/Medline usando los términos "zeolita" y "clinoptilolita". Resultados y discusión: en zootecnología y medicina veterinaria la zeolita mejora la condición de la mascota, elimina los elementos radiactivos, las aflatoxinas y los venenos. En el cuidado humano, la zeolita también muestra propiedades antioxidantes, de blanqueamiento, homeostáticas y antidiarreicas. Sin embargo, los estudios clínicos que se han llevado a cabo hasta ahora como adyuvante en inmunodeficiencia y tras la quimioterapia y la radioterapia en oncología son muy escasos. Conclusiones: se requieren con urgencia otras investigaciones clínicas después de esta publicación del artículo que actualicen el estado de la técnica.

Zeolite: «the magic stone»; main nutritional, environmental, experimental and clinical fields of application / Zeolita: «la piedra mágica»; principales campos nutricionales, ambientales, experimentales y clínicos de la aplicación

Introduction: zeolites (clinoptilolites) are a family of alluminosilicates and cations clustered to form macro aggregates by small individual cavities. In the medical area they are involved in detoxification mechanisms capturing ions and molecules into their holes. Actually, we classify about 140 types of natural and 150 synthetic zeolites, for specific and selective use. Clinoptilolite is a natural zeolite and it is the most widespread compound in the medical market. Objective: this review analyzes the main fields of zeolite utilization. Methods: we searched Pubmed/Medline using the terms «zeolite» and «clinoptilolite». Results and discussion: in zoothechnology and veterinary medicine zeolite improves the pets' fitness, removes radioactive elements, aflatoxines and poisons. Zeolite displays also antioxidant, whitening, hemostatic and anti-diarrhoic properties, projected in human care. However very scanty clinical studies have been run up to now in immunodeficiency, oncology after chemotherapy and radiotherapy as adjuvants. Conclusions: further clinical investigations are urgently required after this review article publication which updates the state of the art (AU)

Introducción: las zeolitas (clinoptilolitas) son una familia de aluminosilicatos y cationes agrupada para formar agregados macro de pequeñas cavidades individuales. En el área médica están involucrados en los mecanismos de desintoxicación y en capturar iones y moléculas en sus agujeros. En realidad, clasificamos cerca de 140 tipos de zeolitas naturales y 150 sintéticas, para usos específicos y selectivos. La clinoptilolita es una zeolita natural y es el compuesto más extendido en el mercado médico. Objetivo: esta revisión analiza los principales campos de utilización de la zeolita. Métodos: se realizaron búsquedas en Pubmed/Medline usando los términos «zeolita» y «clinoptilolita». Resultados y discusión: en zootecnología y medicina veterinaria la zeolita mejora la condición de la mascota, elimina los elementos radiactivos, las aflatoxinas y los venenos. En el cuidado humano, la zeolita también muestra propiedades antioxidantes, de blanqueamiento, homeostáticas y antidiarreicas. Sin embargo, los estudios clínicos que se han llevado a cabo hasta ahora como adyuvante en inmunodeficiencia y tras la quimioterapia y la radioterapia en oncología son muy escasos. Conclusiones: se requieren con urgencia otras investigaciones clínicas después de esta publicación del artículo que actualicen el estado de la técnica (AU)

Dietary coral calcium and zeolite protects bone in a mouse model for postmenopausal bone loss.

In patients diagnosed with osteoporosis, calcium is lost from bones making them weaker and easily susceptible to fractures. Supplementation of calcium is highly recommended for such conditions. However, the source of calcium plays an important role in the amount of calcium that is assimilated into bone. We hypothesize that naturally occurring coral calcium and zeolite may prevent ovariectomy-induced bone loss. We have measured bone loss in ovariectomized mice supplemented with coral calcium and Zeolite. Female C57BL/6 mice were either sham-operated or ovariectomized and fed diets containing coral calcium or zeolite for 6 months. Serum was analyzed for bone biochemical markers and cytokines. Bones were analyzed using dual x-ray absorbtiometry, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and micro-computed tomography densitometry. In the distal femoral metaphysis, total bone and cortical bone mass was restored and the endocortical surface was significantly decreased in coral calcium and zeolite fed ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Trabecular number and the ratio of bone volume to total volume was higher in OVX mice after coral calcium and zeolite feeding, while trabecular separation decreased in the different treatment OVX groups. Coral calcium protected bone to a lesser extent in the proximal tibia and lumbar vertebrae. Overall, coral calcium and zeolite may protect postmenopausal bone loss.

Human detoxification of perfluorinated compounds.

There has been no proven method thus far to accelerate the clearance of potentially toxic perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in humans. PFCs are a family of commonly used synthetic compounds with many applications, including repelling oil and stains on furniture, clothing, carpets and food packaging, as well as in the manufacturing of polytetrafluoroethylene - a non-stick surfacing often used in cookware (e.g. Teflon(r)). Some PFCs remain persistent within the environment due to their inherent chemical stability, and are very slowly eliminated from the human body due, in part, to enterohepatic recirculation. Exposure to PFCs is widespread and some subpopulations, living in proximity to or working in fluorochemical manufacturing plants, are highly contaminated. PFC bioaccumulation has become an increasing public health concern as emerging evidence suggests reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, and some PFCs are considered to be likely human carcinogens. A case history is presented where an individual with high concentrations of PFCs in serum provided: (1) sweat samples after use of a sauna; and (2) stool samples before and after oral administration of each of two bile acid sequestrants - cholestyramine (CSM) and saponin compounds (SPCs). Stool samples before and after use of a cation-exchange zeolite compound were also examined. PFCs found in serum were not detected in substantial quantities in sweat or in stool prior to treatment. Minimal amounts of perfluorooctanoic acid, but no other PFCs, were detected in stool after SPC use; minimal amounts of perfluorooctanesulfonate, but no other PFCs, were detected in stool after zeolite use. All PFC congeners found in serum were detected in stool after CSM use. Serum levels of all PFCs subsequently declined after regular use of CSM. Further study is required but this report suggests that CSM therapy may facilitate gastrointestinal elimination of some PFCs from the human body.

[Mouthwash solutions with microencapsuled natural extracts: Efficiency for dental plaque and gingivitis]. / Bains de bouche aux extraits naturels microencapsulés : effets sur la plaquedentaire et la gingivite.

Mouthwash solutions are mainly used for their antiseptic properties. They currently include synthetic agents (chlorhexidine, triclosan, etc.) or essential oils (especially Listerine). Many natural extracts may also be used. These associate both antiseptic effects and direct action on host response, due to their antioxidant, immunoregulatory, analgesic, buffering, or healing properties. The best known are avocado oil, manuka oil, propolis oil, grapefruit seed extract, pycnogenol, aloe vera, Q10 coenzyme, green tea, and megamin. The development of new technologies, such as microencapsulation (GingiNat concept), may allow an in situ slow release of active ingredients during several hours, and open new perspectives for mouthwash solutions.

[Morphological study of placenta and liver of pregnant rats in experimental endotoxicosis and after ceolite protection].

In 45 rats and 120 fetuses the protective effect of food, containing the additives of natural ceolites, on the outcome of pregnancy complicated by an acute experimental endotoxicosis, caused by hyperthermic challenge of the animals, was studied. Using gravimetric, histological, histochemical, electron microscopical methods and monitoring the markers of endogenous intoxication, it was demonstrated that the consumption of ceolite additives contributed to the increase of resistance of the organism to the extremal challenge. Ceolite enteroprotection of acute endotoxicosis, caused by hyperthermic challenge of the pregnant rats, resulted in the increased survival of animals, lower embryonic losses, adaptive changes in placenta and maternal liver.

Dietary supplementation with the tribomechanically activated zeolite clinoptilolite in immunodeficiency: effects on the immune system.

Natural zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicates with unique adsorption, cation-exchange, and catalytic properties that have multiple uses in industry and agriculture. TMAZ, a natural zeolite clinoptilolite with enhanced physicochemical properties, is the basis of the dietary supplements Megamin and Lycopenomin, which have demonstrated antioxidant activity in humans. The aim of this prospective, open, and controlled parallel-group study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with TMAZ on the cellular immune system in patients undergoing treatment for immunodeficiency disorder. A total of 61 patients were administered daily TMAZ doses of 1.2 g (Lycopenomin) and 3.6 g (Megamin) for 6 to 8 weeks, during which the patients' primary medical therapy was continued unchanged. Blood and lymphocyte counts were performed at baseline and at the end of the study. Blood count parameters were not relevantly affected in either of the two treatment groups. Megamin administration resulted in significantly increased CD4+, CD19+, and HLA-DR+ lymphocyte counts and a significantly decreased CD56+ cell count. Lycopenomin was associated with an increased CD3+ cell count and a decreased CD56+ lymphocyte count. No adverse reactions to the treatments were observed.

Application of a zeolite hemostatic agent achieves 100% survival in a lethal model of complex groin injury in Swine.

BACKGROUND: Techniques for better hemorrhage control after injury could change outcome. We have previously shown that a zeolite mineral hemostatic agent (ZH) can control aggressive bleeding through adsorption of water, which is an exothermic process. Increasing the residual moisture content (RM) of ZH can theoretically decrease heat generation, but its effect on the hemostatic properties is unknown. We tested ZH with increasing RM against controls and other hemostatic agents in a swine model of battlefield injury. METHODS: A complex groin injury was created in 72 swine (37 +/- 0.8 kg). This included semitransection of the proximal thigh and complete division of the femoral artery and vein. After 3 minutes, the animals were randomized to 1 of 10 groups: group 1, no dressing (ND); group 2, standard dressing (SD); group 3, SD + 3.5 oz ZH with 1% RM (1% ZH); group 4, SD + 3.5 oz ZH with 4% RM (4% ZH); group 5, SD + 2 oz ZH with 1% RM (1% ZH 2oz); group 6, SD + 3.5 oz ZH with 8% RM (8% ZH); group 7, SD + chitosan-based hemostat, HemCon (HC); group 8, SD + 3.5 oz nonzeolite mineral hemostat, Quick Relief (NZH); group 9, SD + bovine clotting factors-based hemostat, Fast Act (FA); and group 10, SD + 30 g of starch-based hemostat, TraumaDex (TDex). Resuscitation (500 mL of Hespan over 30 minutes) was started 15 minutes after injury and hemodynamic monitoring was performed for 180 minutes. Primary endpoints were survival for 180 minutes and blood loss. In addition, maximum wound temperatures were recorded, and histologic damage to artery, vein, nerve, and muscle was documented. RESULTS: Use of 1% ZH decreased blood loss and reduced mortality to 0% (p < 0.05). Increasing the RM adversely affected efficacy without any significant decrease in wound temperatures. Minimal histologic tissue damage was seen with ZH independent of the percentage of RM. CONCLUSION: The use of zeolite hemostatic agent (1% residual moisture, 3.5 oz) can control hemorrhage and dramatically reduce mortality from a lethal groin wound.

[Use of zeolite-containing biologically active food supplement in patients with burn trauma]. / Primenenie tseolitsoderzhashchei biologicheski aktivnoi dobavki k pishche u patsientov s ozhogovoi travmoi.

The content of cationic protein in blood neutrophils, the serum activity of lysosomal enzymes, the intensity of peroxide lipid oxidation, the antioxidant serum activity and the blood concentration of trace elements were assessed in patients with burn injury. Some patients as addition to the main therapy got zeolyt-containing biological active addition to food (BAAF) "Lytovit" with its ability for sorption and selective ion exchange. Before the beginning of the treatment in all patients high value of the cationic protein degranulation, decrease of neutrophils biocidity, and increase of lipid peroxidation against a background of antioxidant activity were found. In patients, who had got zeolyt containing BAAF, the normalization of trace elements blood concentration and indices of neutrophils functional activity began earlier, then in patients without zeolyt containing biological active addition treatment. "Lytovit" promoted the more early regress of the clinic manifestations: the body temperature normalization, wounds self-cleaning from purulent discharge, diminishing of frequency and area of the grafts lysis.

A short introduction to the new principle of binding ration calcium with sodium zeolite.

This paper summarise the development of the new principle of preventing parturient hypocalcaemia by reducing the bioavailability of ration calcium with calcium binders, based on the idea that a negative calcium balance would stimulate natural defence mechanisms against threatening hypocalcaemia. Synthetic sodium zeolite was selected as a first choice among the many calcium binders available commercially, such as polyphosphates, citrate, EDTA and it derivatives. Testing was done on non-pregnant rumen fistulated cows in the first place, followed by cows in late lactation. Encouraged by the tendencies seen in these animals, the final proof of concept was done on pregnant dry cows fed a supplement of synthetic sodium zeolite A from 4 weeks before expected calving until calving. By analysis of blood calcium levels, this supplementation was shown to have a stabilizing effect during the critical period shortly after calving.

Hot topic: prevention of parturient paresis and subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows by zeolite A administration in the dry period.

To test the effects of a zeolite feed supplement on parturient calcium status and milk fever, two groups of dry cows were treated with either 1 kg of zeolite/d or none for 4 wk prepartum. At calving and d 1 and 2 after calving all cows were given 250 g of calcium carbonate as a drench, and a blood sample was taken. Serum calcium analysis revealed a greater calcium concentration in zeolite-treated cows. While three control cows contracted milk fever, necessitating intravenous calcium therapy, and six out of eight control cows experienced serum calcium levels below 2 mmol/L in one or more samples taken, none of the zeolite-treated cows contracted milk fever or experienced subclinical hypocalcemia.

[What a physician should know about zeolites]. / Sto lijecnik treba znati o zeolitima.

Zeolites are natural and synthetic hydrated crystalline aluminosilicates endowed with absorptive and ion exchange properties. They have found numerous and multifarous applications--in industry as catalysts and absorbents, in water sanitation for the removal of ammonia and heavy metals, in agriculture as fertilizers, and in animal husbandry as the absorbents of excreted material and as food additives. Medical applications have included the use in filtration systems for anesthesia or dialysis and as the contrast materials in NMR imaging. Recently, zeolite powders for external use have found application as deodorants, antimycotic agents and wound dressings. Peroral use of encapsulated zeolite powders enriched with vitamins, oligoelements or other ingredients has been claimed to exert beneficial medical effects. Ingestion of zeolites may be considered analogous to the clay eating (geophagia), considered in traditional medicine as a remedy for various illnesses. Being amphoteric, zeolites are partly soluble in acid or alkaline media, but within the physiological pH range the solubility is generally low. Minimal amounts of free aluminium or silicium from the ingested zeolites are resorbed from the gut. The bulk of ingested zeolite probably remains undissolved in the gut. In view of the ion exchange properties, zeolites may be expected to change the ionic content, pH and buffering capacity of the gastrointestinal secretions and to affect the transport through the intestinal epithelium. In addition, zeolites could affect the bacterial flora and the resorption of bacterial products, vitamins and oligoelements. The contact of zeolite particles with gastrointestinal mucosa may elicit the secretion of cytokines with local and systemic actions. Reactive silicium ions might react with biomolecules of the intestinal epithelium, and if resorbed, do so in other cells. Mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of zeolite particles have been described, resembling such effects of asbestos fibers. Thus, local and systemic effects of zeolites may be complex and interrelated, and an objective assessment requires appropriate experimental models.