<P> Charcoal was consumed in the past as dietary supplement for gastric problems in the form of charcoal biscuits . Now it can be consumed in tablet, capsule or powder form, for digestive effects . Research regarding its effectiveness is controversial . To measure the mucociliary transport time the use was introduced by Passali in combination with saccharin . </P> <P> Red colobus monkeys in Africa have been observed eating charcoal for the purposes of self - medication . Their leafy diets contain high levels of cyanide, which may lead to indigestion . So they learned to consume charcoal, which absorbs the cyanide and relieves indigestion . This knowledge about supplementing their diet is transmitted from mother to infant . </P> <P> Charcoal has also been incorporated in toothpaste formulas; however, there is no evidence to determine its safety and effectiveness . </P> <P> The use of charcoal as a smelting fuel has been experiencing a resurgence in South America resulting in severe environmental, social and medical problems . Charcoal production at a sub-industrial level is one of the causes of deforestation . Charcoal production is now usually illegal and nearly always unregulated as in Brazil where charcoal production is a large illegal industry for making pig iron . </P>

Is grill charcoal the same as activated charcoal