What is Ingested

• DE is diatomite, which is made up of ancient diatoms. Diatoms are one-celled, microscopic algae with cell walls made of silica. DE is up to 90-percent silicon dioxide, plus various minerals.
  
  

Lowers Cholesterol

• A study done in Austria showed a "significant reduction" in cholesterol levels with three daily doses of 250mg of diatomaceous earth.
  
  

Kills Parasites

• DE is given to animals to rid them of parasites. Proponents say DE will affect humans the same way, but this reported effect remains anecdotal.
  
  

Silicon and DE

• Silicon---and thus, DE---contributes to bone, hair and nail formation. However, not much is known about silicon's role in nutrition and interaction with the body; any understanding of DE's role, then, is even more tenuous.
  
  

Food Additive

• DE is used in food packaging and baked goods. The FDA lists silicon dioxide among its food ingredients and packaging that has is GRAS, meaning its effect on humans is "generally recognized as safe."