Activated Charcoal Supplement Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Capsules, Tablets), By Application (Antidiarrheal, Detoxification), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025

Report Overview

The global activated charcoal supplement market size was valued at USD 4.2 billion in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a healthy CAGR over the forecast period. The market growth is propelled by the medical uses of charcoal supplements. Activated charcoal capsules are extensively used to treat food poisoning and oral overdose, which follows oral ingestion. Charcoal tablets and capsules are used to treat conditions like indigestion, diarrhea, and flatulence. Activated charcoal, also called activated carbon, is a highly porous, adsorptive material with a large surface area and amorphous structure.

Activated charcoal is manufactured by using less conventional raw materials such as wood, coconut shell, olive stones, peat, fruit pits, and sawdust, thereby driving the market. Additionally, the easy availability and eco-friendly nature of the product are estimated to drive the market. Furthermore, the consumption of activated charcoal supplement tablets and capsules helps disrupt intestinal gas.

Activated charcoal has the ability to absorb a wide range of drugs, bacteria, viruses, toxins, fungus, and chemicals found in water. This has made it an effective method for water treatment. In commercial settings such as waste management centers, activated charcoal is often used in the filtration process. Moreover, nowadays water filtration products are designed for at-home use, where activated charcoal cartridges are used for water purification. This, in turn, is anticipated to fuel the market growth in the coming years.

Activated charcoal supplements are witnessing high demand in the medical sector owing to their various benefits such as antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and detoxifying. However, short-term consumption of these supplements and certain side effects such as constipation, slowing or blockage of the intestinal tract, and dehydration may prove to be challenging.

The U.S. activated charcoal supplement market is expected to witness significant growth and expand at a CAGR of 14.2% over the forecast period. The growth is attributed to changing consumer lifestyles, growing health consciousness, and increasing usage of detoxifying products. In addition, the country is marked by the presence of players such as Donau Chemie Group and Calgon Carbon Corporation. These players are the largest contributors to the market growth in the U.S. and will continue to hold the largest share.

Product Type Insights

Based on the product type, the market is classified as tablets and capsules. Both the segments are expected to grow at a faster rate over the forecast period. The capsules segment is anticipated to reach almost USD 6.0 billion by 2025, owing to the convenience and long-lasting benefits of capsules as compared to tablets.

Apart from beauty benefits, activated charcoal tablets also have a relieving effect on the intestine and stomach problems. It is widely used as a morning pill and a replacement for the multivitamin pills taken by some people. This category also holds a considerable share in the market, owing to its extensive use as a detox agent. This is expected to create a positive impact on the sales of activated charcoal supplements.

Application Insights

The application segment comprises antidiarrheal, detoxification, and elimination of swelling. Activated charcoal supplements are used to treat stomach pains caused by gas, diarrhea, and other stomach issues. It is also used to treat accidental poisoning and drug overdose, and to soothe the itching sensation of people undergoing dialysis. It works by binding toxins and forming a bulky complex that is too large for the body to absorb. It also has the capability to block the liver from breaking down or processing toxins.

Activated charcoal capsules are used as detoxifying and anti-aging agents. It prevents numerous cellular changes associated with aging. It has been proven to build a better defense mechanism by improving the cognitive and adaptive functioning of essential organs such as kidneys, liver, and adrenals. In some countries, it is used to reduce swelling caused by injury or disease.

Regional Insights

In 2018, Central and South America held the largest market share of 45.0% in terms of revenue. The region continues to be the leading market owing to the rising demand for activated charcoal in countries such as Brazil and Mexico. This is attributed to the increasing incidence of diarrheal diseases among children of age group 1 to 23. Consumers are looking for natural and healthier alternatives to conventional medicines in order to combat these diseases, which is expected to fuel the demand for activated charcoal tablets.

North America is likely to be one of the major regional markets over the forecast period, owing to growing demand from the U.S. Increasing awareness regarding the health and detox benefits of activated charcoal is one of the major factors responsible for the market growth in this region. Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the market due to growing disposable income and the presence of players such as Carbotech.

Asia Pacific holds a considerable share in the market and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 14.4% over the forecast period. This region has one of the major players namely Jacobi Carbons (OSAKA GAS), which accounts for a large share of the Japanese market. Countries such as India and Japan are expected to witness high demand for activated charcoal supplements owing to an increase in gastrointestinal disorders.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Various manufacturers are engaged in product innovations and the expansion of their product portfolios. They are adding activated charcoal supplements in ice creams and naming it black ice cream. The key objective is to add value to their product and attract consumers. For instance, iHalo Krunch, an ice cream shop in Toronto, has made headlines with its black, activated charcoal–infused coconut flavor ice cream, which also comes in a black waffle cone.

Some manufacturers are also penetrating the market by designing their products that are inclusive of activated charcoal supplements. They are taking advantage of the skin benefits provided by activated charcoal and are using it in numerous beauty products. For instance, companies like Healthvit and WOW have started selling face wash with activated charcoal that purifies the skin naturally. Some manufacturers are also using activated charcoal in the production of toothpaste to add value to it, owing to its teeth-whitening properties. For instance, Cali White Activated Charcoal Toothpaste is made with the most effective whitening and detoxifying ingredients on earth.

Key players having a strong foothold in the market include Jacobi Carbons (OSAKA GAS), Country Life, FORZA, Swanson Premium, Amy Myrers, Schizandu Organics, Carbotech, Nature’s Way, and Holland & Barrett.

Activated Charcoal Supplement Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels, and provides an analysis on the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2015 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global activated charcoal supplement market report on the basis of product type, application, and region:

• Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2015 - 2025)

  • Capsules

  • Tablets

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2015 - 2025)

  • Antidiarrheal

  • Detoxification

  • Eliminate Swelling

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2015 - 2025)

  • North America

    • The U.S

  • Europe

    • The U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil