Zeolite in NZ: what clinoptilolite is and what to know before you buy

Zeolite has gone from a mineral most people had never heard of to something you can buy as a fine powder at the pharmacy. If you've searched for zeolite in New Zealand, you've probably seen big promises attached to it. Here's what zeolite and clinoptilolite actually are, where else you'll find them, what the research does and doesn't show, and what to check before you buy.

What is zeolite?

Zeolites are a family of minerals called hydrated aluminosilicates. They have a porous crystal structure that can hold water and swap one charged particle (an ion) for another, which is why industry uses them for ion exchange, filtering and absorbing moisture and odours.

Most natural zeolites formed when volcanic ash settled into groundwater or salty, alkaline lakes and slowly changed over thousands of years. Zeolites are also made synthetically, for example for laundry detergents.

What is clinoptilolite?

Clinoptilolite is one of the most common natural zeolites, and it's the form you'll usually find in zeolite powders sold for people. It typically forms from volcanic glass reacting with groundwater. When a label says "zeolite (clinoptilolite)", it's telling you which zeolite mineral is in the tub.

Where else is zeolite used?

Most zeolite isn't eaten by anyone. Its biggest everyday uses include:

• Animal feed. In the EU, clinoptilolite of sedimentary origin is authorised as a feed additive (a binder and anti-caking agent) for all animal species.
• Odour control and pet litter. Zeolite cat litter is popular because the mineral absorbs moisture and smells.
• Water and wastewater treatment. Zeolite filter media take up ammonium and other ions.
• Gardens and turf. It's used as a soil conditioner and in growing media.
• Dishwashers. Some Bosch dishwashers use a zeolite drying system: the mineral absorbs moisture during the cycle and releases heat to help dry the dishes.

Is zeolite mined in New Zealand?

Yes. New Zealand's mined zeolite comes from deposits near Ngākuru, between Rotorua and Taupō, worked by Blue Pacific Minerals. These deposits formed in old lake beds linked to geothermal activity and are mainly the zeolite mordenite with some clinoptilolite. Most of it goes into stock feed, water treatment, spill absorbents and turf products.

What about "zeolite detox"?

"Zeolite detox" is one of the most searched zeolite phrases in New Zealand, so it's worth being straight about it.

• The human research is small. A 2018 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology looked at clinoptilolite studies in animals and people. Since then there have been a handful of small human trials. One randomised, placebo-controlled study in 42 healthy adults found that a clinoptilolite product taken at the same time as a small test dose of lead reduced how much of that lead was absorbed. That's a single-dose test, not evidence that zeolite removes anything already in your body.
• Independent summaries are cautious. Memorial Sloan Kettering's integrative medicine service notes that zeolites have not been shown to treat cancer or other conditions in people.
• Health and "detox" claims aren't allowed here. In New Zealand, products sold as foods or dietary supplements can't claim to treat, prevent or cure anything. Overseas regulators have taken action against zeolite sellers that made medical claims.

So you won't see us promise that zeolite will detox you, and we'd be wary of anyone who does.

What to check before you buy zeolite in NZ

1. The ingredient list. Look for a single ingredient, micronised zeolite (clinoptilolite), with no fillers, sweeteners or preservatives.
2. Heavy metal testing. Zeolite comes from rock, and its natural lead content depends on where it was mined. European food authorities have flagged zeolite powders that contained excess lead. Ask the seller whether each batch is independently tested for heavy metals, and whether they can show you the results.
3. Purity of the mineral. Good suppliers test that their zeolite is clinoptilolite and that it's free of fibrous minerals and excess quartz.
4. Clear directions. A responsible product tells you how much to take, how to mix it and how far apart to keep it from food and medicines.
5. Who's selling it. Buy from a New Zealand seller who can answer questions and stands behind the product, rather than an overseas listing with no batch information.

How to take a zeolite powder

Follow the directions on your product. For Qenda Ultimate Zeolite, that's:

• One level 1 g scoop in 250–300 ml of water, juice or a smoothie
• Stir well and drink straight away
• Once a day, 1–2 hours away from food, supplements or medicines (including your Qenda Fibre)
• Drink plenty of water through the day

It's a very fine powder, so scoop it gently and don't shake it around in the air. Zeolite can bind some medicines and reduce how well they're absorbed, which is why the gap matters. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, check with your GP before using it.

Zeolite FAQ

What does zeolite taste like?

Very little. It's a fine, mild mineral powder, and juice or a smoothie hides it completely.

Is zeolite the same as diatomaceous earth or bentonite clay?

No. They're all mineral powders, but they're different materials. Diatomaceous earth is made from fossilised algae, bentonite is a clay, and zeolite is a crystalline aluminosilicate formed from volcanic ash.

Can I take zeolite with my fibre?

Not at the same time. Keep them 1–2 hours apart.

Where can I buy zeolite in NZ?

You'll find zeolite powders at some pharmacies and health stores. Qenda Ultimate Zeolite (300 g, about 300 serves) is available from The Reset Collective, Qenda's New Zealand distributor, with free NZ shipping on orders over $250.

Sources: USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries, Zeolites; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 651/2013 (clinoptilolite as a feed additive); GNS Science, NZ mineral deposits (Ngākuru zeolite); Kraljević Pavelić et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology 2018; Samekova et al., Scientific Reports 2021; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, About Herbs: Zeolite; Medsafe, dietary supplements regulation; product directions from Qenda. This article is general information, not medical advice.