Calcium bentonite clay is an absorbent kind of clay that typically forms after volcanic ash ages. The name comes from Fort Benton, Wyoming, where the largest source of clay is found. Calcium bentonite clay is found worldwide. It is believed that it can absorb negatively charged toxins.

The Minnesota Department of Health and Agriculture issued a warning about calcium bentonite clay. It alerted consumers to avoid ingesting it due to the possibility that the products contain heavy metals, including lead.

The FDA also released a warning about two products containing calcium bentonite clay.

Best Betonite
Betonite Me Baby

They are Best Bentonite Clay and Bentonite Me, baby. This was for the same reasons as the Minnesota Department of Health. There were elevated levels of lead.

Exposure to lead can cause serious health problems. This includes damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, and immune system. In children, exposure to lead, even at a low level, is associated with cognitive impairment, reduced IQ (it’s ableist but I have to put it in there), behavior difficulties and other problems.

It is commonly marketed as a cosmetic product to be used externally. There are some that have instructions to be taken internally as a holistic treatment. Pure bentonite clay is sold as a fine powder. It varies in color from off white to green-gray or gray-brown.
Blended or multi-ingredient products may list either bentonite, sodium or calcium bentonite on the ingredients list.

Interestingly enough, Kerri Rivera’s product Clean Clay is calcium bentonite. She leads her followers to be afraid of heavy metals but instructs them to ingest it and give to their children.

The very thing these quacks create hysteria about, they are encouraging their followers to become exposed to heavy metals that are very dangerous.

Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/calcium-bentonite-clay#5
https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2016/bentonite051816.html
https://www.ketokerri.com/kk-clean-clay/
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-about-health-risks-alikay-naturals-bentonite-me-baby-bentonite-clay
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-use-best-bentonite-clay