Bentonite

Bentonite is a naturally occurring phyllosilicate clay mineral composed primarily of montmorillonite, formed from the weathering of volcanic ash deposits over millions of years. It is mined from sedimentary deposits found across the United States, India, China, and parts of Europe, with its name derived from Fort Benton, Wyoming, where large deposits were first identified. The mineral is characterized by its remarkable layered crystalline structure, which gives it an exceptionally high surface area and strong negative ionic charge — properties central to its biological applications. When ingested or applied topically, bentonite acts primarily as an adsorbent, attracting positively charged molecules such as heavy metals, mycotoxins, and certain pathogens to its surface, facilitating their removal from the gastrointestinal tract before systemic absorption occurs. This mechanism is supported by in vitro and animal studies, though robust large-scale human clinical trials remain limited. In wellness contexts, bentonite clay is used internally as a detoxification aid and digestive support agent, and externally in skincare formulations for its ability to absorb excess oils, impurities, and irritants. It has a long history of traditional use across many cultures as a medicinal earth, and modern research continues to investigate its potential roles in gut health, heavy metal chelation, and aflatoxin binding, particularly in populations with high dietary mycotoxin exposure.