Herb & supplement monograph

Clay Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Clay interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Clay is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Clay is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Clay Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Clay drug interaction appears low for most people. Only a handful of medications are affected, none of the interactions is rated major, and the concern in each case is reduced drug absorption rather than a dangerous reaction.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interactions that stand out involve cimetidine and quinine. Early clinical research suggests clay may block the absorption of cimetidine, a stomach acid reducer, which could make it work less well. Lab research also suggests clay may lower the amount of quinine the body absorbs, which could reduce its effectiveness against malaria. In both cases the issue is that clay can bind these medicines in the gut before the body takes them in.

What the rest of the list means

Neither of these interactions is firmly proven in people, and the evidence ranges from preliminary human research to lab studies only. The practical concern is not toxicity but the chance that a medicine taken alongside clay simply works less well. For most other medications, no meaningful interaction with clay has been reported.

Check your medications against Clay

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Clay interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Clay

3 medications have a known interaction with Clay, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
CimetidineCimetidine Injection, Tagamet, Tagamet HB› QuinineQualaquin› Quinine SulfateQuinamm, Quinine Sulfate› "phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi› 6-mercaptopurinePurinethol› Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla› AbacavirZiagen› Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq› Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom› AbaloparatideTymlos› AbametapirXeglyze› AbarelixPlenaxis› AbciximabReoPro› AbemaciclibVerzenio› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcalabrutinibCalquence› AcamprosateCampral› AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› AcenocoumarolSintrom› AcepromazineAtravet› AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Clay combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Clay affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Clay is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Clay interacts with
Cimetidine (tagamet)Quinine
Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Preliminary clinical research suggests that clay might inhibit the absorption of cimetidine when taken simultaneously. Consumption of clay along with cimetidine might reduce the effectiveness of cimetidine therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinine

In vitro evidence suggests that consuming clay reduces the bioavailability of quinine by about 30%. Theoretically, consumption of clay along with quinine might reduce the effectiveness of quinine therapy.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monograph

Clay: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Clay is a fine, mineral-rich earth (such as bentonite or kaolin) used on the skin and sometimes taken by mouth for digestive and 'detox' purposes. Topical use for masks and minor skin issues is popular and generally low-risk, but swallowing clay carries real safety concerns, including possible contamination with lead and other heavy metals. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before taking clay internally.

Part used
Mineral-rich clay (bentonite, kaolin, French green clay, and similar)
Common forms
Powder, capsules, masks, poultices, suspensions/drinks
People commonly use it for
  • Detox and digestive complaints
  • Skin care (masks, acne, irritation)
  • Diarrhea and upset stomach
  • Drawing out toxins or impurities
  • Wound and rash poultices

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Topical use is generally low-risk, but oral clay can be contaminated with heavy metals.

PregnancyPossibly Unsafe

When used orally, long-term. Clay ingestion during pregnancy appears to be associated with an increased incidence of pre-eclampsia, hypertension, and/...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Clay is a naturally occurring, fine-grained earth made up of minerals like silicates. Common types sold as supplements or cosmetics include bentonite (often from volcanic ash), kaolin, and French green clay. These clays are mined from natural deposits around the world and then dried and processed into powders.

People have used clay for centuries. It is most commonly applied to the skin in masks and poultices, mixed with water and swallowed as a 'detox' or digestive aid, or used in some traditional and folk practices. You will find it in many beauty products, as well as in capsules and loose powders sold in health stores.

How it works

Clays have a large surface area and a slight electrical charge, which lets them absorb and bind water, oils, and other molecules. On the skin, this may help soak up excess oil and impurities, which is why clay is used in masks.

In the gut, some clays can bind water and certain substances, which is the idea behind their traditional use for diarrhea. However, this same binding ability can also trap nutrients and medicines, which is one reason internal use needs caution.

Most of these mechanisms come from laboratory studies and product testing rather than large human trials, so the real-world effects in people are not fully proven.

Effectiveness

Does Clay work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 5 uses evaluated
1 Possibly effective 4 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Possibly Effective Rotaviral diarrhea
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Orally, clay might reduce the duration of acute diarrhea typically caused by rotavirus by about 1 day in infants and children. It might also increase the number of children cured by day 3. A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials involving 2209 children shows that taking smectite clay as an adjuvant to rehydration therapy reduces the duration of acute infectious diarrhea by about 24 hours compared to control in infants and children aged one month and older. Low quality research also shows that taking smectite clay increases the rate of clinical resolution by day 3 about 2-fold; however, this reduction is not significant when studies with high risk of bias are excluded from the analysis. Taking smectite clay also appear to modestly reduce stool output by about one deposition per day compared to control. However, a meta-analysis of mainly moderate quality research in children with acute diarrhea shows that taking clay is less effective for reducing the duration of diarrhea when compared with tui na, a form of therapeutic pediatric massage.

Sources Ref 98646 Ref 101813
Also studied for 4 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Clinical research shows that taking calcium aluminosilicate clay 1 gram orally four times daily for 6 weeks does not reduce severity of symptoms compared to placebo in patients with metastatic colon cancer and moderate to severe chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. However, the low overall rate of severe diarrhea might have contributed to the lack of effect of clay in this study.

Sources Ref 98648
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diarrhea
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research in adults with chronic diarrhea shows that taking a specific clay powder product, (Smecta, EP Plus Group), 3 grams orally three times a day for 35 days improves diarrhea scores, but not the frequency of diarrhea, when compared with baseline. However, the study may have been inadequately powered to detect a difference between groups. The validity of this study is limited by the lack of a comparator group.

Sources Ref 112196
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Some preliminary clinical research suggests that taking dioctahedral smectite, a naturally absorbent clay, 3 grams three times daily for 8 weeks significantly improves pain, discomfort, and bloating compared to placebo in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS. Other preliminary clinical research suggests that taking beidellitic montmorillonite, a purified clay containing a double aluminum and magnesium silicate, 3 grams three times daily for 8 weeks significantly improves pain and discomfort compared to placebo in patients with constipation-predominant IBS but not those with diarrhea-predominant IBS. However, some preliminary clinical research suggests that taking a sachet of clay containing beidellitic montmorillonite 3 grams plus aluminum hydroxide 125 mg three times daily for 8 weeks is less effective at improving intestinal transit time and reducing the need for analgesics and antispasmodics in patients with IBS than taking a specific mucilage product containing karaya gum plus polyvinyl polypyrrolidone (Polykaraya, Synthelabo).

Sources Ref 26613 Ref 26612 Ref 26644
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Oral mucositis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research shows that applying a cream containing dioctahedral smectite and iodine glycerin four times daily for 5 days starting at the appearance of oral mucositis shortens oral mucositis duration by about 4 days compared with using a saline mouth rinse containing gentamicin and vitamin B12. Complete regression occurred in 86% of patients using the smectite cream compared with only 3% of patients using the mouth rinse. It is unclear if this benefit is due to dioctahedral smectite, iodine glycerin, of the combination.

Sources Ref 98652

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Topical use of cosmetic clay is generally well tolerated for most people. Do a small patch test first if you have sensitive skin.

Eating clay is the bigger concern. Some clay products have been found to contain lead, arsenic, or other heavy metals, and regulators have issued warnings about certain bentonite products. Regular clay-eating (a habit called pica) can cause constipation, blockages, mineral imbalances, and poor absorption of nutrients.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid eating clay. Heavy-metal contamination is especially risky for a developing baby, and clay can interfere with absorption of important minerals like iron. There is not enough safety information to recommend internal use while breastfeeding.

People with kidney disease, electrolyte problems, constipation, or those who are frail or elderly should be especially cautious. Always talk to a pharmacist or doctor before taking clay by mouth.

Side effects

Used on the skin, clay may cause dryness, redness, or irritation in some people, especially with frequent use.

Taken by mouth, clay may cause constipation, bloating, and nausea. With heavier or long-term use, more serious problems can occur, such as intestinal blockage, low potassium, and effects from heavy-metal exposure (which can build up over time). Stop use and seek medical care if you have severe stomach pain, vomiting, or signs of poisoning.

Clay: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Clay from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, clay seems to be well tolerated when used short-term. Adverse effects are generally mild and include constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term ingestion of clay has been associated with more serious adverse effects. Habitual clay ingestion has been associated with heart lesions, cardiomyopathy, painful heart palpitations, skin ulcerations, excessive and urgent urination, iron deficiency anemia, hypokalemia possibly leading to muscle weakness, lead poisoning possibly leading to nervous system damage, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, flatulence, loss of appetite, and vomiting after meals. Clay ingestion has also resulted in intestinal and esophageal obstruction.

Topically within the mouth, clay has been reported to cause taste alteration.

  1. Wang JS, Luo H, Billam M, et al. Short-term safety evaluation of processed calcium montmorillonite clay (NovaSil) in humans. Food Addit Contam 2005;22(3):270-9.
  2. Kee BK, Morris JS, Slack RS, et al. A phase II, randomized, double blind trial of calcium aluminosilicate clay versus placebo for the prevention of diarrhea in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with irinotecan. Support Care Cancer. 2015;2
  3. Lin JX, Fan ZY, Lin Q, et al. A comparison of dioctahedral smectite and iodine glycerin cream with topical mouth rinse in treatment of chemotherapy induced oral mucositis: a pilot study. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2015;19(2):136-41.
  4. Pérez-Gaxiola G, Cuello-García CA, Florez ID, Pérez-Pico VM. Smectite for acute infectious diarrhoea in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;4:CD011526.
  5. Mitchell NJ, Kumi J, Aleser M, et al. Short-term safety and efficacy of calcium montmorillonite clay (UPSN) in children. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2014;91(4):777-85.
  6. Lai BY, Liang N, Cao HJ, et al. Pediatric Tui Na for acute diarrhea in children under 5 years old: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2018;41:10-22.
  7. Mengel CE, Carter WA, Horton ES. Geophagia with iron deficiency and hypokalemia. Cachexia Africana. Arch Intern Med 1964;114:470-4.
  8. Minnich V, Okcuoglu A, Tarcon Y, et al. Pica in Turkey. II. Effect of clay upon iron absorption. Am J Clin Nutr 1968;21(1):78-86.
  9. Carpenter WM. Observations on Cachexia Africana, on habits and effects of dirt eating in negro race. New Orleans Med Surg J 1844;1:146-68.
  10. Blum M, Orton C, Rose L. The effect of starch ingestion on excessive iron association, abstracted. Ann Intern Med 1968;68:1165.
  11. Bateson EM, Lebroy T. Clay eating by Aboriginals of the Northern Territory. Med J Aust 1978;1 Suppl 1:1-3.
  12. Delaitre B, Lemaigre G, Acar JF, et al. [Necrotizing enteritis and geophagia]. Nouv Presse Med 1976;5(28):1743-6.
  13. Sanchez A JE. Perforation of the colon due to clay ball. Arch Surg 1978;113(7):906.
  14. Prasad AS, Halsted JA, Nadimi M. Syndrome of iron deficiency anemia, hepatospelenomegaly, hypogonadism, dwarfism and geophagia. Am J Med 1961;31:532-46.
  15. Getahun H, Lambein F, Vanhoorne M, Van der Stuyft P. Neurolathyrism risk depends on type of grass pea preparation and on mixing with cereals and antioxidants. Trop Med Int Health 2005;10(2):169-78.
Reports by condition
Anemia Hematologic

Orally, habitual clay intake may lead to iron malabsorption and severe iron deficiency, and has been associated with anemia.

  1. Mengel CE, Carter WA, Horton ES. Geophagia with iron deficiency and hypokalemia. Cachexia Africana. Arch Intern Med 1964;114:470-4.
  2. Minnich V, Okcuoglu A, Tarcon Y, et al. Pica in Turkey. II. Effect of clay upon iron absorption. Am J Clin Nutr 1968;21(1):78-86.
  3. Carpenter WM. Observations on Cachexia Africana, on habits and effects of dirt eating in negro race. New Orleans Med Surg J 1844;1:146-68.
  4. Blum M, Orton C, Rose L. The effect of starch ingestion on excessive iron association, abstracted. Ann Intern Med 1968;68:1165.
  5. Prasad AS, Halsted JA, Nadimi M. Syndrome of iron deficiency anemia, hepatospelenomegaly, hypogonadism, dwarfism and geophagia. Am J Med 1961;31:532-46.
Cardiomyopathy Cardiovascular

Orally, habitual clay intake has been associated with heart lesions, cardiomyopathy, and painful heart palpitations.

  1. Carpenter WM. Observations on Cachexia Africana, on habits and effects of dirt eating in negro race. New Orleans Med Surg J 1844;1:146-68.
Constipation Gastrointestinal

Orally, the most commonly reported adverse effects in clinical trials is constipation. Vomiting and diarrhea have been reported rarely. Long-term ingestion of clay may induce constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, flatulence, loss of appetite, and vomiting after meals. Clay ingestion has also been associated with intestinal obstruction and necrotizing enteritis, leading to bowel perforation. A case of lower esophageal obstruction has occurred in a 50-year-old woman who had consumed approximately 200 grams of clay, followed by drinking water.

Topically in the mouth, clay has been reported to cause taste alteration.

  1. Pérez-Gaxiola G, Cuello-García CA, Florez ID, Pérez-Pico VM. Smectite for acute infectious diarrhoea in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;4:CD011526.
  2. Lai BY, Liang N, Cao HJ, et al. Pediatric Tui Na for acute diarrhea in children under 5 years old: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2018;41:10-22.
  3. Mitchell NJ, Kumi J, Aleser M, et al. Short-term safety and efficacy of calcium montmorillonite clay (UPSN) in children. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2014;91(4):777-85.
  4. Carpenter WM. Observations on Cachexia Africana, on habits and effects of dirt eating in negro race. New Orleans Med Surg J 1844;1:146-68.
  5. Andrews PL, Horn CC. Signals for nausea and emesis: Implications for models of upper gastrointestinal diseases. Auton Neurosci 2006;125(1-2):100-15.
  6. Wang JS, Luo H, Billam M, et al. Short-term safety evaluation of processed calcium montmorillonite clay (NovaSil) in humans. Food Addit Contam 2005;22(3):270-9.
  7. Bateson EM, Lebroy T. Clay eating by Aboriginals of the Northern Territory. Med J Aust 1978;1 Suppl 1:1-3.
  8. Delaitre B, Lemaigre G, Acar JF, et al. [Necrotizing enteritis and geophagia]. Nouv Presse Med 1976;5(28):1743-6.
  9. Sanchez A JE. Perforation of the colon due to clay ball. Arch Surg 1978;113(7):906.
  10. Gupta M, Sachdev A, Lehl SS, Singh K. Clay impaction causing acute dysphagia. BMJ Case Rep. 2013;2013. pii: bcr2013008929.
  11. Lin JX, Fan ZY, Lin Q, et al. A comparison of dioctahedral smectite and iodine glycerin cream with topical mouth rinse in treatment of chemotherapy induced oral mucositis: a pilot study. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2015;19(2):136-41.
Hypokalemia Endocrine

Clay possesses potassium-binding capacity, and chronic clay ingestion has been associated with severe hypokalemia. A case report describes a 60-year-old female who habitually ingested clay (geophagia) and presented with severe hypokalemia, moderate hypophosphatemia, flaccid paralysis, muscle weakness, and rhabdomyolysis with a very high creatine kinase level. All signs and symptoms resolved after treatment with intravenous electrolyte replacement and phosphate-based enemas to disimpact the bowel.

  1. Gonzalez JJ, Owens W, Ungaro PC, et al. Clay ingestion: a rare cause of hypokalemia. Ann Intern Med 1982;97(1):65-6.
  2. Mengel CE, Carter WA, Horton ES. Geophagia with iron deficiency and hypokalemia. Cachexia Africana. Arch Intern Med 1964;114:470-4.
  3. Severance HW Jr, Holt T, Patrone NA, Chapman L. Profound muscle weakness and hypokalemia due to clay ingestion. South Med J 1988;81(2):272-4.
  4. Bennett A, Stryjewski G. Severe hypokalemia caused by oral and rectal administration of bentonite in a pediatric patient. Pediatr Emerg Care 2006;22(7):500-2.
  5. Schmidt C, Oxley Oxland J, Freercks R. A rare case of hypokalaemia and hypophosphataemia secondary to geophagia. BMJ Case Rep. 2021 May 12;14(5):e239322.
Hypokalemia Musculoskeletal

Cases of hypokalemia-induced muscle weakness and muscle swelling have been reported after ingestion of large quantities of clay.

  1. Severance HW Jr, Holt T, Patrone NA, Chapman L. Profound muscle weakness and hypokalemia due to clay ingestion. South Med J 1988;81(2):272-4.
  2. Ukaonu C, Hill DA, Christensen F. Hypokalemic myopathy in pregnancy caused by clay ingestion. Obstet Gynecol 2003;102(5 Pt 2):1169-71.
  3. Trivedi TH, Daga GL, Yeolekar ME. Geophagia leading to hypokalemic quadriparesis in a postpartum patient. J Assoc Physicians India 2005;53:205-7.
Poisoning Neurologic/CNS

Orally, habitual clay intake has been associated with the development of lead poisoning and possible central nervous system damage in children.

  1. Guinee VF. Pica and lead poisoning. Nutr Rev 1971;29(12):267-9.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established, standardized dose for clay, and no recommended safe amount for eating it. Because of contamination and absorption concerns, taking clay internally is generally not recommended without medical guidance.

If you use a topical product, follow the label directions for how long to leave a mask on and how often to use it. For any oral product, follow the package instructions and check with a pharmacist or doctor first. Choose products that are independently tested for heavy metals.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Clay & Pregnancy

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally, long-term. Clay ingestion during pregnancy appears to be associated with an increased incidence of pre-eclampsia, hypertension, and/or edema. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of ingesting clay short-term during pregnancy.

  1. O'Rourke DE, Quinn JG, Nicholson JO, Gibson HH. Geophagia during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 1967;29(4):581-4.
  2. Edwards CE, McDonald S, Mitchell JK, et al. Effect of clay and cornstarch intake on women and their infants. J Amer Diet Assoc 1964;44:109-15.

Clay & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 32 references that drive our Clay monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Gonzalez JJ, Owens W, Ungaro PC, et al. Clay ingestion: a rare cause of hypokalemia. Ann Intern Med 1982;97(1):65-6. PubMed
  2. Mengel CE, Carter WA, Horton ES. Geophagia with iron deficiency and hypokalemia. Cachexia Africana. Arch Intern Med 1964;114:470-4. PubMed
  3. Severance HW Jr, Holt T, Patrone NA, Chapman L. Profound muscle weakness and hypokalemia due to clay ingestion. South Med J 1988;81(2):272-4. PubMed
  4. Minnich V, Okcuoglu A, Tarcon Y, et al. Pica in Turkey. II. Effect of clay upon iron absorption. Am J Clin Nutr 1968;21(1):78-86.
  5. O'Rourke DE, Quinn JG, Nicholson JO, Gibson HH. Geophagia during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 1967;29(4):581-4.
  6. Edwards CE, McDonald S, Mitchell JK, et al. Effect of clay and cornstarch intake on women and their infants. J Amer Diet Assoc 1964;44:109-15. DOI
  7. Carpenter WM. Observations on Cachexia Africana, on habits and effects of dirt eating in negro race. New Orleans Med Surg J 1844;1:146-68.
  8. Ducrotte P, Dapoigny M, Bonaz B, Siproudhis L. Symptomatic efficacy of beidellitic montmorillonite in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, controlled trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2005;21(4):435-44. PubMed
  9. Chang FY, Lu CL, Chen CY, Luo JC. Efficacy of dioctahedral smectite in treating patients of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007;22(12):2266-72. PubMed
  10. Blum M, Orton C, Rose L. The effect of starch ingestion on excessive iron association, abstracted. Ann Intern Med 1968;68:1165.
  11. Ukaonu C, Hill DA, Christensen F. Hypokalemic myopathy in pregnancy caused by clay ingestion. Obstet Gynecol 2003;102(5 Pt 2):1169-71. DOI
  12. Andrews PL, Horn CC. Signals for nausea and emesis: Implications for models of upper gastrointestinal diseases. Auton Neurosci 2006;125(1-2):100-15. PubMed
  13. Wang JS, Luo H, Billam M, et al. Short-term safety evaluation of processed calcium montmorillonite clay (NovaSil) in humans. Food Addit Contam 2005;22(3):270-9. PubMed
  14. Bateson EM, Lebroy T. Clay eating by Aboriginals of the Northern Territory. Med J Aust 1978;1 Suppl 1:1-3. PubMed
  15. Delaitre B, Lemaigre G, Acar JF, et al. [Necrotizing enteritis and geophagia]. Nouv Presse Med 1976;5(28):1743-6.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Clay

6 brands in our database make a supplement containing Clay.

Product directory

Supplement products with Clay

17 products in our database contain Clay. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Candida Formula #2 by Kroeger Herb Products Co. Capsule 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Clay, Gray 450 mg by TerraVita Premium Collection Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Clay, Gray 450 mg by TerraVita Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Clay, Gray Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection Powder 4 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Clay, Gray Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection Powder 1 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Clay, Green 450 mg by TerraVita Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Clay, Green 450 mg by TerraVita Premium Collection Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Clay, Green Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection Powder 4 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Clay, Green Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection Powder 1 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Clay, Green Powder by TerraVita Powder 4 oz. View ingredients & interactions Clay, White 450 mg by TerraVita Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Clay, White 450 mg by TerraVita Premium Collection Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Clay, White Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection Powder 1 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Clay, White Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection Powder 4 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Fulvitea by Get Healthy Again Powder 1 lb · 454 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions G.I. Detox INT by Biocidin Botanicals Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions IonMin Clay by Professional Botanicals Powder 250 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Clay: Common Questions

What is Clay used for, and does it work?
People use Clay for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Clay for Rotaviral diarrhea. For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Clay interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 3 medications with a known interaction with Clay. Use the checker above to see how Clay interacts with a specific drug.
How are Clay interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Clay with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Clay interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Clay used for?
It is most commonly used in skin masks for oily or acne-prone skin, and sometimes taken by mouth as a 'detox' or for digestive complaints, though internal benefits are not well proven.
Is it safe to eat Clay?
Eating Clay carries real risks, including possible contamination with lead and other heavy metals, constipation, blockages, and poor nutrient absorption. Don't take Clay internally without talking to a healthcare professional.
Can I use Clay during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Avoid eating Clay during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of heavy-metal risks and possible interference with nutrient absorption. Ask your doctor before using any Clay product.
Does Clay really 'detox' the body?
There is no reliable scientific evidence that swallowing Clay removes toxins. Your liver and kidneys already handle that job naturally.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Products that contain Clay

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Clay — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

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