Clinoptilolite {(Na, K, Ca)2 - 3Al3(Al, Si)2Si13O36-12H2O, Hydrated Sodium
Potassium Calcium Aluminum Silicate} may be not the most well known, but it is one
of the most useful natural zeolites. Clinoptilolite is used in many applications such as a
chemical sieve, a gas absorber, a feed additive, or food additive, an odor control agent
and as a water filter for municipal and residential drinking water and aquariums.
Clinoptilolite is well suited for these applications due to its large amount of pore space,
high resistance to extreme temperatures and chemically neutral basic structure. What
might strike many as odd is the food and feed additives. Clinoptilolite has been used for
several years now as an additive to feed for cows, pigs, horses and chickens. It absorbs
toxins in the feed that are created by molds and microscopic parasites and has enhanced
food absorption by these animals. A similar use in actual people food is being tested.
Zeolites can easily absorb ammonia and other toxic gases from air and water and thus
can be used in filters, both for health reasons and for odor removal. Can zeolite preserve
food? The answer is YES. This chapter describes an up-to-date review for the
implantations of zeolites in several food industrial activities.
Keywords: Egg production, bone performance, aflatoxin, fish production,
medicine, zeolites in soft drinks, zeolite softening, antimicrobial agents, zeolite to
package materials, zeolite as antimicrobial film.
