When we formulated Super Cleanse™, we wanted every ingredient to serve a thoughtful purpose. Alongside Thorvin© Kelp, we included one naturally occurring mineral that has been the focus of decades of scientific interest: Clinoptilolite.
While many pet parents may not recognize the name, researchers have studied Clinoptilolite for years because of its unique physical structure and remarkable binding characteristics. It's one of the reasons we're proud to include it as part of our carefully selected wellness blend.
What Is Clinoptilolite?
Clinoptilolite is a naturally occurring volcanic mineral belonging to the zeolite family. Under a microscope, it has a three-dimensional honeycomb-like framework filled with microscopic pores and channels.
This porous structure gives Clinoptilolite an exceptionally large surface area, allowing it to interact with certain positively charged compounds through natural ion exchange and adsorption. Because of these unique physical characteristics, Clinoptilolite has been studied for decades in environmental science, agriculture, animal nutrition, and biomedical research. As early as 2001, researchers described natural zeolites as one of the most versatile mineral groups because of their broad range of practical and biological applications.^1
Why Are Researchers Interested in It?
Unlike many ingredients that are absorbed into the body, Clinoptilolite primarily remains within the digestive tract. Because of this, scientists have explored how its porous structure can interact with certain compounds through natural adsorption and ion-exchange mechanisms.
Published research has investigated Clinoptilolite for its ability to bind certain heavy metals, environmental contaminants, and naturally occurring mycotoxins, making it an ingredient of continued interest in both veterinary and animal nutrition research.^1,2
Research Beyond Binding
Researchers have also explored Clinoptilolite's effects on gastrointestinal health. Studies have evaluated its potential role in supporting gut barrier integrity, digestive comfort, and maintaining a healthy intestinal environment. Clinical research in humans has also examined its influence on intestinal permeability and digestive wellness, although additional research is still needed to better understand these findings.^3
Because digestive wellness plays such an important role in overall health, this growing body of research continues to expand.
What About Cancer Research?
One topic that often appears when researching Clinoptilolite is cancer. Scientists have investigated Clinoptilolite in laboratory and animal studies because of its unique physical characteristics and possible interactions with oxidative stress, immune function, and cellular signaling pathways.^1 Researchers have also explored its potential as an adjuvant to conventional cancer therapies, meaning it has been studied as a supportive ingredient used alongside standard medical treatment rather than as a treatment on its own.^6
It's important to distinguish between scientific investigation and proven clinical use. While these studies demonstrate substantial research interest, Clinoptilolite is not an approved treatment for cancer, and current evidence does not support making therapeutic claims. Additional research is needed to better understand its potential role in this area.^1,4
Why We Chose It for Super Cleanse™
At Glacier Peak Holistics®, we select ingredients based on both traditional use and scientific interest.
Clinoptilolite complements our blend of certified organic herbs with a naturally occurring mineral that has been the subject of decades of published research in animal nutrition, gastrointestinal wellness, and environmental binding applications.^1,2,3
References
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Pavelić SK, Medica JS, Gumbarević D, et al. (2018). Critical Review on Zeolite Clinoptilolite Safety and Medical Applications in vivo. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9:1350.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01350/full -
Samekova K, Lodyga-Chruścińska E, et al. (2021). Concomitant oral intake of purified clinoptilolite tuff reduces enteral lead uptake in healthy humans. Scientific Reports, 11, 14796.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94245-x -
Pavelić SK, et al. (2022). Clinical Evaluation of a Defined Zeolite-Clinoptilolite Preparation in the Management of Long-Term Health Conditions: A Review. Frontiers in Medicine, 9:851782.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.851782/full
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Pavelić K, Hadžija M, Bedrica L, et al. (2001). Natural zeolite clinoptilolite: new adjuvant in anticancer therapy. Journal of Molecular Medicine, 78(12), 708–720.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11434724/
More Helpful Resources
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Çelikbaş İ, et al. (2022). The Evaluation of the Effects of Natural Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) in Biomedical Applications: A Review. Bioengineering, 9(10):560.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9638813/ -
Panaiotov S, et al. (2024). Zeolite and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules, 29(11):2614.
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/11/2614 -
Mastinu A, et al. (2019). Zeolite Clinoptilolite: Therapeutic Virtues of an Ancient Mineral.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722559/ -
EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP). Safety and efficacy assessments of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) as a feed additive for animals.
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en
This article is intended for educational purposes only. Super Cleanse™ is formulated to support normal wellness and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease in animals. Individual research findings should not be interpreted as evidence of product-specific outcomes.