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Gas & Bloating

Gaia Herbs
4.5
(1313 ratings)
Activated Charcoal 242 mg
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Score 78.0

A synergistic blend of Activated Charcoal and Fennel designed for gas and bloating relief from a reputable brand, offering effective digestive support despite a higher price point per serving compared to charcoal-only alternatives.

Quantity: 50 Capsule(s)Servings size: 2 Capsule(s) (25 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Digestive Health
Detoxification

Score 78.0

A synergistic blend of Activated Charcoal and Fennel designed for gas and bloating relief from a reputable brand, offering effective digestive support despite a higher price point per serving compared to charcoal-only alternatives.

Analysis

Gaia Herbs Gas & Bloating is formulated to provide relief from digestive discomforts like gas and bloating by leveraging the combined benefits of Activated Charcoal and Fennel. Activated charcoal is known for its adsorptive properties, effectively binding to excess gas in the digestive tract, while Fennel is a traditional herb recognized for its carminative and anti-spasmodic qualities, helping to soothe the gut and reduce gas formation. The inclusion of both a proprietary blend and specific quantities of fennel and plant-derived activated charcoal suggests a targeted formulation. Gaia Herbs is also a reputable brand, often praised for its quality sourcing and production standards, which can contribute to user trust and product effectiveness. However, compared to single-ingredient activated charcoal supplements, its price per serving is considerably higher, and its activated charcoal dosage is lower, making it less ideal if activated charcoal is the sole desired ingredient.

Pros
  • Combines Activated Charcoal with Fennel for a synergistic approach to gas and bloating relief, offering broader digestive support.
  • Fennel is a well-regarded traditional herb known for its carminative properties, complementing charcoal's gas-adsorbing effects.
  • Manufactured by Gaia Herbs, a reputable brand known for quality herbal supplements and sustainable practices.
  • Freeze-dried fennel extract suggests a focus on preserving potency and bioavailability of the herbal components.
Cons
  • Significantly higher price per serving ($1.07) compared to most standalone activated charcoal products (which often range from $0.05 to $0.25).
  • The activated charcoal dose (242mg) is lower than many pure activated charcoal supplements, which typically offer 500mg or more per serving.
  • Proprietary blend does not fully disclose the exact quantities of all individual components beyond charcoal and specific fennel forms, making it harder for consumers to assess precise dosages of every ingredient.
Warnings
  • Activated charcoal can bind to medications (including oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and heart medications) and nutrients, reducing their absorption. It should be taken at least 2-3 hours away from food, supplements, and prescription drugs.
  • May cause constipation in some individuals due to its adsorptive nature; adequate hydration is important when taking activated charcoal.
  • Not intended for long-term daily use without professional guidance, as it can potentially lead to nutrient deficiencies over time.
$26.99($1.07 per serving)
Amazon
$ 26.99
Pure Formulas
$ 26.99
iHerb
$ 26.99
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Plant-derived Activated Charcoal 242 mg
Fennel 146 mg
Fennel seed freeze-dried extract 16 mg
Proprietary Blend 404 mg
Adults 18–50 Vegan Women Vegetarian
Categories
Activated Charcoal 70.0
As an activated charcoal product, it offers a functional dose of 242mg, which is effective for gas. However, it is not a standalone activated charcoal supplement, and its dosage is lower than many dedicated charcoal products (often 500mg+). Furthermore, its price per serving is significantly higher compared to most pure activated charcoal alternatives available on the market, making it less competitive purely on a per-milligram charcoal basis.
Goals
Digestive Health 90.0
This product excels in supporting digestive health, specifically targeting gas and bloating, through its dual-action formula. Activated charcoal directly adsorbs excess gas in the gut, while fennel, a renowned carminative, helps relax the digestive tract and reduce gas formation, providing a comprehensive and effective approach to alleviate common digestive discomforts.
Detoxification 55.0
While activated charcoal can bind to certain toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and prevent their absorption, aligning with a very specific, localized form of 'detoxification,' it does not support systemic detoxification processes carried out by organs like the liver and kidneys. Broad claims of general daily 'detoxification' for the entire body are not widely supported by scientific evidence for activated charcoal in this context.
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Activated Charcoal 260 mg

Swanson
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Swanson provides 520mg of activated charcoal for just $0.11 per serving, offering a much higher and more effective dose at a better price point for charcoal benefits than the low-dose blend.
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Activated Charcoal

NOW
4.7
(2590 ratings)
With an impressive 1120mg dosage at merely $0.05 per serving, this product stands out as an exceptional value for pure activated charcoal, far surpassing the blend's cost-effectiveness for charcoal content.
98 Value

Activated Charcoal Powder Unflavored

Nutricost
4.5
(112 ratings)
This powder provides an unmatched 1500mg dose of coconut charcoal for just $0.04 per serving, making it the most cost-effective and potent solution for those prioritizing maximum value per milligram of charcoal.
88 Value

Activated Charcoal 260 mg

Swanson
4.7
(4739 ratings)
This alternative offers 520mg of activated charcoal for $0.11 per serving, delivering a significantly higher and more effective charcoal dosage at a much better value than the Gaia Herbs blend.
95 Performance

Activated Charcoal

NOW
4.7
(2590 ratings)
This alternative is superior because it provides a dedicated and much higher dosage (1120mg vs 484mg) of pure activated charcoal at a significantly lower price per serving, ensuring far greater effectiveness for charcoal-specific goals.
90 Performance

Activated Charcoal 500 mg

Natural Factors
4.8
(1165 ratings)
Offering a high 1000mg dosage from a verified coconut source, this product is 'better' for pure charcoal benefits, delivering potent and clearly sourced activated charcoal at a competitive price, unlike the overpriced blend.
85 Performance

Coconut Charcoal 500 mg

Bulletproof
4.6
(3196 ratings)
Bulletproof offers an extremely high 2000mg dosage of coconut-sourced charcoal, making it a 'better' option for individuals requiring maximum, pure activated charcoal potency for digestive and detox support without other blend ingredients.