Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Illite is a type of clay mineral traditionally used in some cultures for gastrointestinal complaints, including diarrhea. The use of clay minerals for treating diarrhea has roots in folk medicine, particularly in regions where pharmaceutical treatments are less accessible. Illite, along with other clays like kaolin and montmorillonite, acts as an adsorbent, which means it can bind to toxins and excess water in the gut, potentially reducing stool liquidity and frequency. However, while there is a historical precedent for using clay minerals in this context, the specific use of illite is less well-documented in scientific literature compared to other clays like smectite (e.g., diosmectite) or kaolin. Some in vitro studies suggest that illite has adsorptive and antibacterial properties, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. The majority of scientific research and clinical guidelines support the use of other clay minerals rather than illite for acute diarrhea. Therefore, while the use of illite for diarrhea is justified by traditional practice in some areas, the scientific evidence to support its effectiveness and safety is limited, and the evidence rating reflects this gap.

More about Illite
More about Diarrhea

Other ingredients used for Diarrhea

Other health conditions supported by Illite

Products containing Illite