Diatomaceous Earth
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Diatomaceous Earth (Amorphous Hydrated Silicon Dioxide) is a dietary supplement with 3 published peer-reviewed studies involving 84 participants, researched for Bone & Connective Tissue Health, Clinical trials.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Bone & Connective Tissue Health
ModerateClinical trials
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Bone & Connective Tissue Health
To assess dietary silicon from diatomaceous earth on bone mineral density.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess dietary silicon from diatomaceous earth on bone mineral density.
Dose
Food-grade diatomaceous earth 250mg silicon daily
Participants
36 postmenopausal women
Duration
6 months
Results
Silicon supplementation from diatomaceous earth modestly improved bone turnover markers and tended to increase BMD. Silicon's role in collagen cross-linking in bone matrix supported.
How They Measured It
BMD (DXA), bone turnover markers, serum silicon levels
To assess oral silicon supplementation on hair and nail strength.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess oral silicon supplementation on hair and nail strength.
Dose
Choline-stabilised orthosilicic acid 10mg daily
Participants
48 women with brittle hair and nails
Duration
9 months
Results
Silicon supplementation significantly improved hair tensile strength and nail brittleness scores. Hair keratin content increased. Confirmed role of silicon in hair and nail structural integrity.
How They Measured It
Hair tensile strength, nail brittleness score, hair keratin content
Clinical trials
To assess postprandial metabolism and silicon bioavailability from diatomaceous earth added to a reduced-fat meat product in adults.
Study Type
Randomized, four-way crossover, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess postprandial metabolism and silicon bioavailability from diatomaceous earth added to a reduced-fat meat product in adults.
Dose
Reduced-fat or standard pâté with added diatomaceous earth silicon; 4-way crossover
Participants
18 adults (mean age 58 years, 68% women)
Duration
Single postprandial session (4 hours)
Results
Silicon from diatomaceous earth was unabsorbed and had no effect on normal postprandial metabolism. Authors concluded it should not be used as a bioactive ingredient in functional foods.
How They Measured It
Serum silicon, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin over 4h postprandially
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Diatomaceous Earth research
There are currently 3 peer-reviewed studies on Diatomaceous Earth (Amorphous Hydrated Silicon Dioxide), involving 84 total participants. Research covers Detoxification, Bone health, Digestive health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (3 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Diatomaceous Earth has been researched for: Detoxification, Bone health, Digestive health, Hair & nail strength. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 3 out of 3 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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