What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth?

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What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade

Seema Minerals & Metals is a company that deals in superior quality minerals with products such as food grade diatomaceous earth. They are well known for their quality services and products in the markets of agriculture, industry and health. Seema Minerals & Metals’ key goals are sustainability and innovation, which makes the company provide customers with products of the highest possible purity and minimise risks.

Some Common Misconceptions About Food-Grade DE are:

Effectiveness as a Pesticide

  • Misconception: DE is usually recommended as a very efficient pesticide that can be used to control a large number of pests.
  • Reality: DE can be rather useful against insects with exoskeletons, for example, ants, fleas, and bed bugs because it absorbs the oils and fats of their exoskeletons but its efficiency can be influenced by certain conditions like humidity or the type of the pest. It is not a general remedy for all the pests and they may need several treatments.

Internal Use Benefits

  • Misconception: Some people state that food-grade DE can help in some form of detoxification of the body, enhance digestion or even offer any other health benefit.
  • Reality: The evidence that supports these claims is not enough scientifically. DE is authorized by the FDA as GRAS for ingestion in small quantities as an anti-caking agent or an insecticide residue, but there is no proof that it has detoxifying effects or improves nutritional value. Consequently, consuming large quantities is also known to cause inflammation of the digestive system.

Nutrient Content

  • Misconception: It is rumored that DE has plenty of minerals such as calcium and silica that are easily assimilated into the body.
  • Reality: DE does have these minerals, primarily in the form of silica, but the crystalline structure that DE has makes it very difficult for the human body to absorb. Silica that is found in DE is often not bioaccessible which means that it does not add much to the total mineral intake in the diet.

Safety Concerns

  • Misconception: DE used for food purposes is safe for consumption and does not in any way harm the body.
  • Reality: Nonetheless, food grade DE is believed to be safe for intake when used in the right proportions; however, inhaling large quantities of any form of DE is hazardous as it may lead to lung complications. When using DE, precaution should be taken to ensure that one does not inhale the substance while using protective gear when applying it.

Pet Use

  • Misconception: DE is safe for pets in their diet and can applied in the management of internal parasites.
  • Reality: The use of DE in pets for internal infestations and parasites is still a point of controversy. Some of the owners administer DE to deal with parasites in pets, especially worms but the effectiveness and safety of DE in this regard has not been well substantiated. It is advised that before using DE on or near pets one should consult a veterinarian to know the right amount to use and how to use it.

Thus, knowing these misconceptions, consumers will be able to make proper decisions on the usage of food-grade diatomaceous earth for pest control or other uses.

In conclusion, It is, therefore, important to comprehend the uses and the limitations of using food-grade DE. Although it is effective as a pesticide and has potential for internal uses, there is still little scientific evidence to support the health benefits, therefore proper safety measures should be observed including avoiding respiratory problems and pet hazards.

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