Black charcoal ice cream could affect prescription drugs

Everybody has their go-to ice cream flavor, but how about one that's black as the night?

According to Reader's Digest, black ice cream has seen a surge in popularity in the last few years with an ingredient that's turning a few heads.

It all started when Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream debuted their "Black coconut ash" flavor made with activated charcoal.

This is the same stuff you find in spa soaps and teeth whitening powder.

Turns out, charcoal has detoxifying effects.

When we eat it, the porous bits of charcoal draw toxins out of the body.

Though that might sound great, according to Reader's Digest, charcoal could also tamper with our uptake of prescription drugs and vitamin supplements, including birth control.

Gastroenterologist Patricia Raymond told Women's health, charcoal absorbs these drugs too possibly making them ineffective.

So should we worry if our next meal comes with a little charcoal?

Nutritionist Elissa Goodman told Eater.com, keep it in moderation: "When you're feeling bad, its great to use. When you're healthy, you don't need it."