Diatomaceous Earth and Cholesterol: What the Clinical Evidence Actually Shows
The quick version
A peer-reviewed clinical trial found that daily food grade diatomaceous earth consumption over 8 weeks produced a 13.2% reduction in total cholesterol and a 19.3% reduction in LDL (bad) cholesterol in participants with elevated levels. The mechanism: DE's negatively charged particles bind to positively charged cholesterol molecules in the gut, preventing their reabsorption. Best paired with dietary changes and a Synbiotic for gut-wide cholesterol management.
CholesterolHeart HealthDiatomaceous EarthClinical Evidence
Cholesterol management is one of the areas where the evidence for food grade diatomaceous earth is most compelling — and most underappreciated. This article focuses specifically on what the clinical evidence shows, how DE works on cholesterol mechanically, and how to use it effectively as part of a broader heart health approach.
The Clinical Trial: What It Found
A study published in the European Journal of Medical Research (Winkler & Ghosh, referenced on PubMed/NCBI) examined the effect of daily food grade diatomaceous earth consumption on blood lipid profiles. The findings were significant:
| Measure | Change After 8 Weeks |
|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | ↓ 13.2% reduction |
| LDL cholesterol (bad) | ↓ 19.3% reduction |
| Triglycerides | ↓ Significant reduction |
| HDL cholesterol (good) | Maintained — did not decline |
These are clinically meaningful numbers. A 13% reduction in total cholesterol is comparable to the effect of some dietary interventions in the medical literature. And unlike pharmaceutical statins, DE produced no reported adverse effects in participants.
How Does Diatomaceous Earth Lower Cholesterol?
The mechanism is primarily physical rather than biochemical. Food grade DE has a net negative charge at physiological pH. Cholesterol molecules and LDL particles in the digestive tract carry a positive charge. The result is electrostatic attraction — DE particles bind to cholesterol in the gut lumen, forming complexes that cannot be reabsorbed through the gut wall.
These bound complexes are then eliminated through normal bowel movements, reducing the total amount of cholesterol recycled back into circulation. The same mechanism by which soluble fibre (psyllium husk, oats) lowers cholesterol — DE is working in a complementary but distinct way.
The Complete Natural Cholesterol Protocol
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth — Daily
1 teaspoon (or 8 capsules) of Love Your Gut DE Powder in water, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Build from ¼ teaspoon over the first week. For cholesterol management, consistent daily use for a minimum of 8 weeks is required before cholesterol effects become measurable.
Soluble Fibre — The Perfect Partner
Soluble fibre works by the same broad mechanism as DE — binding to bile acids and cholesterol in the gut and preventing reabsorption. Adding psyllium husk (1 tablespoon daily), oats (for breakfast), and legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans at lunch or dinner) amplifies the cholesterol-lowering effect significantly. You can mix psyllium husk directly into your morning DE drink.
Love Your Gut Synbiotic — For Gut-Wide Cholesterol Management
Certain probiotic strains — particularly Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum — have demonstrated cholesterol-lowering effects in clinical trials by metabolising cholesterol in the gut. A daily Synbiotic addresses cholesterol from a third angle: while DE and fibre reduce cholesterol absorption, specific probiotic cultures metabolise cholesterol directly.
Key Dietary Changes
The most impactful dietary changes for cholesterol: replace saturated fat sources (fatty red meat, full-fat dairy, processed foods) with unsaturated fat sources (olive oil, nuts, avocado, fatty fish), increase omega-3 intake (salmon, sardines, mackerel, walnuts, flaxseed), and increase plant sterols (found naturally in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and whole grains).
Natural cholesterol support — the complete approach
Love Your Gut DE Powder + Synbiotic targets cholesterol through two distinct mechanisms. The Cholesterol Support Bundle combines both at the best available price.
Shop Cholesterol Bundle → Shop DE Powder →Heart-Healthy Eating: The Evidence-Based List
These are the dietary additions with the strongest evidence for cholesterol management, from Harvard Medical School's clinical guidance:
- Oats and barley — soluble beta-glucan fibre directly reduces LDL
- Legumes — beans, lentils and chickpeas are particularly rich in soluble fibre
- Fatty fish — salmon, sardines and mackerel provide omega-3s that lower triglycerides
- Nuts — 2 tablespoons daily lowers LDL by approximately 5%
- Apples, grapes, citrus, strawberries — rich in pectin, a soluble fibre
- Olive oil — replaces saturated fat with heart-healthy monounsaturated fat
- Soy foods — modest but consistent LDL reduction
Lee's Heart-Healthy Recipe: Crispy Salmon with Smashed Peas
Full of anti-inflammatory omega-3s, this quick meal is one of the best things you can eat for cardiovascular health.
Ingredients (serves 4)
Salmon: 4 salmon fillets (skin on) · sea salt · 2 tbsp olive oil
Smashed peas: 200g frozen peas · 50ml vegetable stock · 30g butter · juice of 1 lemon · fresh mint, parsley and chives · 1 tbsp olive oil
Saffron aioli: 2 garlic cloves · 2 tsp lemon juice · 2 egg yolks · 1 tbsp Dijon mustard · pinch of saffron in lemon juice · 375ml extra virgin olive oil
Method: Blend aioli ingredients slowly with a food processor. Cook peas in stock until tender, mash gently with butter, lemon and herbs. Pat salmon dry, salt the skin, sear skin-down in hot oil for 4–5 minutes until crispy, flip and rest off heat for 1 minute. Serve on peas with aioli.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can diatomaceous earth really lower cholesterol?
Yes — a peer-reviewed clinical trial demonstrated 13.2% total cholesterol reduction and 19.3% LDL reduction after 8 weeks of daily food grade DE use. The mechanism is physical: DE's negatively charged particles bind to cholesterol in the gut and prevent reabsorption. This is most effective as part of a broader dietary approach.
How long does it take for diatomaceous earth to lower cholesterol?
The clinical trial used an 8-week intervention. Consistent daily use for at least 8 weeks is needed before cholesterol effects are measurable. This is not a fast-acting intervention — it works gradually and cumulatively.
Does diatomaceous earth lower LDL or total cholesterol?
Both. The clinical trial showed a 13.2% reduction in total cholesterol and a 19.3% reduction in LDL specifically. HDL (good cholesterol) was maintained, not reduced.
What is the best natural supplement for high cholesterol?
The strongest evidence points to: soluble fibre (psyllium husk, oats, legumes), specific probiotic strains (Lactobacillus species), and food grade diatomaceous earth. Used together — as in the Love Your Gut protocol — they target cholesterol through three complementary mechanisms.
Start your cholesterol protocol today
Love Your Gut DE Powder and Synbiotic — both FSANZ-approved, both with clinical evidence for cholesterol support.
View Cholesterol Bundle → Shop Synbiotic →What the Science Says: Diatomaceous Earth
If you’ve been around here for long enough, you’ll know that along with an evidence-based balanced diet filled with whole foods, movement and mindfulness, I swear by diatomaceous earth. I’ve done extensive amounts of research on it and have found the benefits to be potent and powerful, but don’t just take my word for it – I invite you to take a look at what the science says. Grab your dorky-looking reading spectacles and your mental shovel as we dig into the truth, research and evidence behind trending diets, fads and ingredients, starting with diatomaceous earth!
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Before we start digging, let’s uncover what diatomaceous earth is. Diatomaceous earth (the highest food-grade diatomaceous earth is also known as its trademark name fossil shell flour) is the fossilised remnants of diatoms, which were once microscopic algae. The shells of diatoms are composed of silicon dioxide and are the most abundant form of organic amorphous silica in the world, containing 79% to 94% of silicon.1 Silicon dioxide is highly bioavailable (meaning it has improved absorption) and is essential for bone growth as well as the prevention of chronic age-related diseases.1
Since 2012 more and more people have taken notice and literally taken diatomaceous earth. Most often they consume diatomaceous earth for gut cleansing, toning and overall digestive health.
There are two-types - freshwater and saltwater. For this article we only refer to the freshwater type as it the one used by humans.
DE that meets certain criteria is classified as a food by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Love Your Gut (LYG) powder by Supercharged Food meets these criteria.
NB. other DE products may not be food-grade and should not be taken. There are different grades of DE. Like salt, there's pool salt which should not be taken all the way to highest food-grade Celtic sea salt. LYG is the highest grade of DE available).
While DE has been consumed by humans for several decades (though we probably weren't aware of it), it really started to take off when naturopaths took notice around a decade ago.
In the quest for health solutions through Mother Nature they found diatomaceous earth. It was (and still is) primarily recommended by Naturopaths for gut health, detoxification and removal of built-up waste in the digestive system. It is also recommended for iron deficiency, cholesterol management, hair, skin and nail health and weight control.
DE is a fascinating and effective mineral for people. We'll publish more articles about DE. We're also happy to take your questions.
Why Silica?
While calcium and vitamin D aren’t shy of bone health-related limelight, silica appears to be a little more reserved. Silica is an underdog here, as it’s crucial for our bones, teeth and nerves.2 Silica is essential for sustaining life, with deficiency associated with inadequate bone and skull health, reduced cartilage and alternations in the mineral balance of our knees and vertebrae. Several studies indicate that silica supplementation has positive benefits on our collagen and can improve the bone mineral density of our spine, femur and hips.2 Silica is also doted as a beauty mineral, as it enhances collagen production for our hair, skin and nails. Along with silica, diatomaceous earth is rich in other minerals which are crucial for our overall wellbeing.
Anything Else?
The modern-day diet, known as the ‘sad’ diet (standard American diet - ha) is commonly comprised of processed foods, and deficient in vitamins and minerals. As Dr Linus Pauling, winner of two Nobel Prizes, puts it: “You can trace every sickness, every disease, and every ailment, ultimately to a mineral deficiency.” Luckily, natural food-grade fossil shell flour contains chelated minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphate, sodium, titanium and potassium; which are essential for our overall wellbeing.3 Consuming diatomaceous earth can complement a balanced diet and help boost the intake of necessary minerals.
Diatomaceous Earth and The Gut.
Upon consumption, diatomaceous earth passes through the digestive tract and the bloodstream, where some small particles are absorbed. According to Wiewióra et al., (2015), once in the digestive tract, the outer shell of fossil shell powder interacts with lurking parasites and destroys them and their eggs, “often to complete eradication of the parasites.” The large pores of diatomaceous earth absorb water from the gut which dehydrates pathogens and kills off parasites; as we know, parasites can alter the microbiota and reduce our ability to absorb nutrients, making this extremely beneficial. Several animal studies confirm the impact diatomaceous earth has on the prevention and treatment of parasitic worms and disease. Not only is fossil shell powder rich in minerals and trace minerals, but it can also enhance our gastrointestinal health and improve our nutrient absorption.
Is All Diatomaceous Earth the Same?
Diatomaceous earth is mineral-rich and impactful on our overall wellbeing, particularly our gastrointestinal health. While further research is needed, it has proven to be effective with minimal adverse health effects. Not all diatomaceous earth is the same, and not all forms are safe for human consumption. Some diatomaceous earth particles can be sharper, potentially damaging the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. When choosing diatomaceous earth, look for one that is food-grade and safe for human consumption.
If you want to try it out for yourself, my Love Your Gut Powder, Love Your Gut Capsules, and Golden Gut Blend contains easy-to-digest diatomaceous earth, bursting with minerals and benefits. For health professionals, there is new Love Your Gut Micron 5 capsules (superfine, micron 5 size, Australian diatomaceous earth, developed and exclusive to Supercharged Food).
Diatomaceous Earth - Let me count the ways it loves your gut
Many fruits and vegetables are good for you. We know it. They know it - have you ever looked at the self-satisfied posture of an avocado??!! But still, we don’t eat them as much as we should or could.
For many reasons we lean away from certain foods. Maybe because they’re hard to buy. Or simply not a pleasant taste. They could be difficult to eat. Or perhaps they’re too expensive for our budgets. They can also possibly be out of sight and out of mind in the depths of our pantries, fridges and freezers.
When it comes to a food ingredient called Love Your Gut diatomaceous earth, I’d love to break down the reasons that can sometimes be a barrier and also help you with ways to include this wonder ingredient into your diet.
Looking at our reasons to include this ingredient, the first one is super easy. Diatomaceous earth is good for you. In fact, it’s very good for you. It’s especially good for your gut health as it helps to cleanse and tone your gut environment. This enables your gut to do its thing - process nutrients and hydration, divvying it out to your organs and getting rid of the waste. It helps you to nurture and house a wonderful internal environment where your gut immune system and cells and your microbiota (bacteria in the gut) can live in harmony with one another to keep you healthy and your immune system strong.
Secondly, Love Your Gut diatomaceous earth by Lee Holmes, Clinical Nutritionist from Supercharged Food is super easy to buy. It’s available in over 3,000 health food stores, independents and pharmacies in Australia and online through local distributors in the UK, USA, South Korea and New Zealand.
Next, the taste equation. Diatomaceous earth is almost completely tasteless.There’s also no bitter aftertaste or any aftertaste for that matter.
Most people simply add Love Your Gut powder to a glass of water, drink and get on with their day knowing their gut has had some loving love. Others mix it with juice or in smoothies. (Healthy Hint: mix it in a drink that contains vitamin C like citrus juice to supercharge the iron within our diatomaceous earth).
If you’re looking for other ways to use it daily in your meals or drinks, our FREE ebook - 101 ways by Lee Holmes. It contains, well, 101 ways to use Love Your Gut powder and Love Your Gut Capsules.
Hard to eat? Nope. Not diatomaceous earth! It’s superfine (less than 10 microns for us techy nerds) which means it mixes well in water and drinks easily.
Too $$$$$$? Again, not Love Your Gut powder. We have deliberately kept the price very reasonable, especially in comparison to other health and gut supplements out there, (you know who you are!) We just want the world to know the benefits of diatomaceous earth. At the same time, Supercharged Food diatomaceous earth is the very highest quality. Lee tried and tested diatomaceous earth sources from around the globe. Her Love Your Gut powder is the result.
Love Your Gut diatomaceous earth in 250g, 100g bags and 120 capsules.
That leaves one more point - the outta sight, outta mind reason. Now, this can apply to Love Your Gut diatomaceous earth (and other good-for-you products). A great way to ensure you maintain your gut health is to make Love Your Gut in arms reach and in line-of-sight in busy cupboards.
We suggest transferring some powder from the 250g bag (our most popular product) to smaller containers. Take a container to work for a mid-afternoon dose of gut love. Pop the Love Your Gut capsules in your bag, especially when travelling.
Also, think about how the powder can become a daily habit. Set a reminder on your phone. Have it when you first wake up or before any meal. make it a part of a routine.
Try this Raspberry & Chia Overnight Brekkie Jar
Ready to Try Love Your Gut Diatomaceous Earth?
Our Love Your Gut diatomaceous earth powder is food-grade, Australian-sourced, and supports your digestive health and cholesterol management. Join thousands of customers who have made it part of their daily wellness routine.
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"My cholesterol improved in just 8 weeks. Love Your Gut has become a staple in my daily routine." — Susan M., Sydney
1 comment
Hi,
Which is better to help manage my high cholesterol levels. You mentioned all 3 of the Diatomaceous powder, capsules & golden gut blend.
I’m 65 years of age & have ibs.
Thank you
Kate.
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