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Zeolite knowledge

Zeolite: Origin, effects and tested quality

Natural power for your gut

The volcanic mineral selectively binds substances in the gut and is excreted unchanged. What's behind it and how you can recognise certified quality.

Light blue clay stone beside fine mineral powder on fabric, natural raw material for cosmetics, ceramics or care products
Brief and to the point

Zeolite is a volcanic mineral. It formed millions of years ago, when lava came into contact with seawater. For use in the gut, only one variety matters: clinoptilolite. Its rigid crystal lattice forms fine channels in which, via ion exchange, it selectively binds substances – and then excretes them unchanged. It is not absorbed in the process. Purity, processing and verified product status are crucial for quality.

What is zeolite? Origin of a natural volcanic mineral

Zeolites are a group of over 40 minerals that are framework silicates: silicon and aluminium units form a rigid three-dimensional lattice with fine channels of uniform size. They formed where volcanic ash met seawater – over millennia this became a crystalline rock.

Clinoptilolite – the variety that matters

Of these over 40 minerals, only one is relevant for use in the gut: clinoptilolite. It has the appropriate pore size and is best documented in human studies. When products refer to “zeolite”, clinoptilolite should be named and its proportion stated – otherwise it remains unclear what is actually in it.

Where the raw material comes from

The properties depend on the deposit. Purity, associated minerals and crystal structure differ from deposit to deposit. Therefore, the term “zeolite” alone does not in itself indicate the quality of a product.

Zeolite types: Clinoptilolite and the others

Over 40 zeolite minerals occur in nature, along with numerous types synthesised in the laboratory. They differ in the structure of their crystal lattice and therefore in pore size, stability and area of application. Only one of them is suitable for ingestion.

Clinoptilolite

The best-studied natural variety and the only one relevant for ingestion. It belongs to the Heulandite group and has a silicon–aluminium ratio of about 4 to 5. This results in high acid and thermal stability – a prerequisite for the mineral to survive gastric passage unchanged.

Chabazite

Also a natural zeolite mineral, with narrower channels than clinoptilolite and different ion-exchange behaviour. It is used in water treatment, as a soil conditioner and in animal husbandry. Studies on its use in humans are not available to a comparable extent.

Mordenite

A zeolite that occurs naturally and is also produced synthetically. Its acid stability makes it attractive as a catalyst and desiccant, for example in oil refining. It has nothing to do with use in the gut – but it does show how differently the members of this mineral group are utilised.

Synthetic zeolites

Laboratory-made frameworks with a precisely defined pore size, such as zeolite A as a water softener in laundry detergents or ZSM-5 in the petrochemical industry. They are not natural substances and are not intended for ingestion. If a product is labelled only 'zeolite', it remains unclear which type it contains.

Zeolite effects: How does zeolite work in the body?

Zeolite acts exclusively in the digestive tract. It is not absorbed into the bloodstream and leaves the body unchanged. Three steps describe what happens.

  1. Selective binding

    The channels in the crystal lattice have a fixed size. They act like a sieve: What fits in is bound – what is too large stays outside. This is the basis of the selectivity.

  2. Ion exchange

    There are exchangeable ions in the lattice, such as calcium. The zeolite releases them and takes up others instead – for example, heavy metal ions. It's an exchange, not an uptake.

  3. Natural excretion

    The mineral is excreted in the stool along with the substances it has bound. It does not enter the bloodstream and does not accumulate.

In short

Zeolite acts mechanically and chemically in the intestine, not pharmacologically in the body. That is precisely why it is authorised as a medical device and not as a medicinal product.

Pore size, surface area and exchange capacity

Three parameters describe what a clinoptilolite can do in the gut.

Pore size. The channels in the crystal lattice are not randomly shaped but determined by the lattice structure. In clinoptilolite, their openings are in the range of a few tenths of a nanometre – one nanometre is one millionth of a millimetre. Anything larger does not get in. This is why we speak of selective binding rather than a sponge that soaks up everything.

Internal surface area. Because the entire lattice is permeated by channels, the usable surface area is far greater than the external surface area of a particle. How much of this is accessible depends on the processing – and therefore on the manufacturing method.

Cation-exchange capacity. It indicates how many exchangeable ions one gram of material provides and is the measure of binding performance. For PMA-Zeolith® it is part of the raw material specification and is tested for each batch.

AI-generated

Zeolite and the intestinal barrier

The intestinal wall separates the intestinal contents from the inside of the body – over an area larger than that of the skin. Three layers make up this barrier: a mucus layer, beneath it a single layer of cells, and junctions between these cells that keep them sealed. The gut flora resides on the mucus layer.

If the barrier is permeable, substances enter the bloodstream that do not belong there. In clinical investigations with PMA-Zeolith®, the marker Zonulin, which indicates the permeability of the intestinal wall, was among the parameters assessed.

The zeolite acts exclusively within the gut. It does not penetrate the intestinal wall and is not absorbed into the bloodstream – whatever it binds leaves the body with it.

This defines the intended purpose of the medical devices: supporting the gut barrier, not treating a disease.

View studies
AI-generated

What makes PMA-Zeolith® special

A defined raw material

PMA-Zeolith® is a registered trademark. It denotes a specified raw material from a particular deposit, processed using a specified procedure – not just any zeolite powder. The study results presented here apply only to this raw material.

Medical device with CE marking

Intended purpose, clinical evaluation, risk analysis, instructions for use and a monitored quality management system are required. As a food supplement, clinoptilolite may not be sold in the EU – it lacks Novel Food authorisation.

Ongoing review

The raw material and the finished product are continuously tested for heavy metals, not just once for approval. The results are documented in a traceable manner.

From volcanic rock to a tested medical device

Between extraction and the finished pack, there are several steps: selecting the raw material, mechanical processing using the patented PMA process – without chemicals – and testing each batch for particle size, adsorption capacity and purity. Only these steps turn a rock into a specified raw material. How the process works in detail is set out on the PMA-Zeolith® page.

Class IIb medical device

The PANACEO zeolite products are Class IIb medical devices. For this class, a clinical evaluation, a quality management system subject to surveillance, and the involvement of a notified body are required – the higher the class, the more extensive the evidence the manufacturer must provide. The products are currently certified under Directive 93/42/EEC; the conformity assessment under the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR, Regulation (EU) 2017/745) has been submitted and is being reviewed. What this means for the period of use is set out in the instructions for use for each product.

The PMA process in detail

Frequently asked questions – and where the detailed answer can be found

Does zeolite have side effects?

Except for occasional constipation, no side effects are known with PMA-Zeolith; as also stated in the patient information leaflet. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and to keep at least a 2-hour gap from medicines.

Does zeolite release aluminium?

Aluminium is part of the crystal lattice and firmly bound. In a clinical investigation, the aluminium levels in the blood did not increase following administration; after four years of use they were lower than at the start.

Zeolite, bentonite or medicinal clay?

Zeolite has a rigid lattice and binds via ion exchange. Bentonite swells and binds via the surface. Medicinal clay is a collective term for finely ground earths.

The correct intake

The daily amount is stated in the instructions for use for the relevant product. Three things apply regardless: drink plenty of fluids, leave at least a 2-hour gap before or after any medicines, and start with half the amount in the first week.

Evidence base for PMA-Zeolite®

Studies on clinoptilolite have been conducted in humans and in animal models. For PMA-Zeolith®, publications include a controlled pilot study in irritable bowel syndrome and an analysis of blood parameters over four years.

Overview of studies

The right zeolite product for you

All products contain PMA-zeolite. They differ in their intended use and dosage form.

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100% PMA zeolite – CE-certified medical device for IBS & leaky gut.

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Content: 0.2 kg (€150.15 / 1 kg)

€0.91 per day instead of €1.30
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Effective gut detox with pure PMA zeolite – as a powder.

From €34.90

Content: 200 g (€17.45 / 100 g)

from €1.06 per day
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For active people
Product image of PANACEO SPORT PURE powder 200g, zeolite powder with PMA zeolite to support performance, recovery and gut health in sport
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PMA zeolite powder – easy to stir into water or sports drinks.

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Supportive therapy care
PANACEO MED THERAPY-PRO powder 200 g in a white tub with orange labelling, front product image
ZEOLITE MEDICAL DEVICE · SUPPORTIVE THERAPY
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Medical device with PMA zeolite for supportive use during therapy.

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What our customers say

"For years now, always the highest quality. I've been using BASIC DETOX for over a decade. I think that statement speaks for itself. Absolutely the highest quality!"

Carola R. Verified female buyer

„MED DARM REPAIR makes my life (and me) lighter. I've finally found a product that gives my digestion the perfect rhythm."

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“Noticeable difference compared to other zeolite products!”

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Frequently asked questions about zeolite

What is zeolite?

A volcanic mineral with a rigid crystal lattice, formed from lava and seawater. For use in the bowel, the clinoptilolite variety is the one that matters.

What is zeolite made of?

It consists of silicon, aluminium and oxygen, which together form the crystal lattice, as well as of water and exchangeable ions such as calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium in the channels. The lattice itself is chemically firmly bound – only the ions in the cavities are exchanged.

How does zeolite work?

Through ion exchange within the channels of its crystal lattice. It binds substances in the intestine and is excreted with them – it is not absorbed.

What is clinoptilolite?

One of more than 40 types of zeolite and the only one that is relevant for oral intake. It has the appropriate pore size and is the most thoroughly researched.

What is the difference between natural and synthetic zeolite?

Natural zeolite forms in volcanic deposits over millennia. Synthetic zeolite is produced in the laboratory, with a precisely controlled pore size for technical purposes such as detergents or catalysts. For ingestion, only natural clinoptilolite is suitable.

Is zeolite absorbed by the body?

No. It acts in the digestive tract and is completely excreted.

What does PMA zeolite mean?

A defined raw material from a specific deposit, processed using a specified procedure. The study results presented here apply to precisely this raw material.

Is zeolite a medical device or a food supplement?

A medical device. As a food supplement, clinoptilolite may not be sold in the EU because it has not been authorised as a novel food.

Which risk class do the zeolite medical devices fall into?

PANACEO products are Class IIb medical devices. This class requires a clinical evaluation, a monitored quality management system, and the involvement of a Notified Body.

How long can you use zeolite for?

Zeolite is suitable for long-term use. PANACEO products are Class IIb medical devices – a classification that indicates intended use over extended periods. Information on the duration and quantity can be found in the instructions for use of the respective product. If you are on long-term medication or have persistent symptoms, seek medical advice before use.

Does zeolite also bind mercury?

In an in vitro study in the gastrointestinal environment, PMA-Zeolith® was tested simultaneously with several heavy metals. A significant reduction was observed for lead, cadmium, arsenic, chromium and nickel; for mercury, only a tendency to bind without a significant result. Therefore, we do not list mercury as a bound substance.

Dr. Horst Poosch
Regulatory review by Dr. Horst Poosch Head of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, PRRC
Studio portrait of a woman with a dark brown sleek bob and grey blazer against a light background
Written by DI Dr. Katrin Greimel Head of Research & Development

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Studies on PMA zeolite

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