Charcoal-induced lipid reduction in uremia

Charcoal, in divided oral doses totalling 35 g/day, was administered to six patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance of 0 to 45 ml/min). Significant (P less than 0.01) reductions in serum cholesterol and triglycerides were observed in the three most hyperlipidemic patients. Maximal decreases in charcoal responders, as compared with control values, were for cholesterol (43%, 23.4% and 40.4%) and for triglycerides (76%, 60.3% and 64.3%). None of the patients showed altered concentrations of BUN, serum creatinine, uric acid, or vitamin A. Because of its safety and the profundity of its hypolipidemic action, it is suggested that charcoal may find applicability in the management of azotemic diabetic and nephrotic hyperlipidemia.