Do you deworm with diatomaceous earth? Here’s why you shouldn’t
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder.
It is used as a filtration aid, mild abrasive in products including metal polishes and toothpaste, cat litter, and an array of other products. It is used in stock feeds as an anti-caking agent, and some people believe it can be used as a natural dewormer.
“We like to think that, out there in nature, there’s an excellent dewormer that’s just waiting to be discovered,” explains parasitologist Martin Nielsen in his latest “deworm debunk”.
“But all I can say, based on the current evidence, that is isn’t Diatomaceous earth.”
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Diatomaceous earth is sharp and rough enough to damage an insect’s exoskeleton, which causes them to dehydrate. It is used as a pest control product. Finely crushed shells are one of the ingredients I believe.
Yes, but there is no evidence that it has any effect against neither parasitic worms within the intestine nor infective larvae on pasture.
Sincerely,
Martin K Nielsen
I once asked the manufacturers of DE to provide evidence that it works, and they were unable to.
Exactly!