What substance is often used to absorb ingested poisons?

Activated charcoal is widely recognized for its effectiveness in absorbing ingested poisons. This substance works by binding to toxic substances in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. When ingested shortly after poisoning, activated charcoal can significantly reduce the amount of poison that enters the body and may minimize its harmful effects.

Its porous structure gives activated charcoal a large surface area that enhances its ability to trap toxins. This property makes it a common choice in emergency medicine for treating various types of poisoning.

In comparison, while milk and vegetable oil may soothe the stomach or dilute some toxins, they do not have the same binding properties as activated charcoal and are not routinely recommended as first-line treatments for poison ingestion. Salt water can be harmful and is typically used under specific circumstances, often in cases of overdose where inducing vomiting might be necessary, but it does not provide the absorption benefits that activated charcoal does.