While many colloidal silver products were removed from drugstore shelves following the FDA ruling, they have since been rebranded as dietary supplements or homeopathic remedies , neither of which require FDA approval. Manufacturers of colloidal silver often broadly claim that their products are capable of stimulating the immune system and helping the body heal itself.
Proponents believe that the supplement can aid in wound healing, improve skin disorders, and either prevent or treat diseases like the flu, pneumonia, herpes, eye infections, shingles, cancer, and AIDS. Many of these claims have been supported by test tube studies in which colloidal silver has been shown to exert powerful antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects.
What the studies fail to show is what happens outside of the test tube. Moreover, there remains little evidence that silver exerts the same antimicrobial properties when internalized.
Ultimately, the human body has no need for silver. It is not an essential mineral and serves no biological function of any sort. While silver toxicity is rare, silver can accumulate in the body over months and years. This can lead to severe disfigurement and potentially harmful deposits in the liver, spleen, kidney, muscle, and brain, according to research from Imperial College in London. That is not to say that silver offers no health benefits. When used topically on the skin , colloidal silver can aid in healing and prevent infection.
A number of studies have investigated the use of silver-containing dressings on skin ulcers and wounds. A study from Iran concluded that a topical ointment containing silver nanoparticles was able to reduce skin inflammation during healing and speed the regrowth of skin compared to people provided a placebo.
This suggests that the short-term, topical use of silver-containing products have their place in treatment. People who take colloidal silver may not experience any immediate side effects. The concerns are related more to the long-term consequences of colloidal silver use as particles gradually accumulate and embed themselves in organs and tissues, most especially the skin. Over time, this can lead to a permanent, disfiguring condition called argyria in which tissues take on a bluish-gray discoloration.
Headache, fatigue, and myoclonic seizures may also occur. Although it is unclear what toxicity silver poses to internal organs, animal studies have shown that inordinately high levels can interfere with kidney and liver function, damage the central nervous system, and instigate the release of calcium from bones. It is not known how silver affects reproduction or pregnancy, but research issued by the National Toxicology Program suggests that silver does not cause cancer.
There have been several deaths linked with colloidal silver use, including one case report published in Neurology in which a year-old man died after taking a daily dose of colloidal silver for four months. In addition to potential health hazards, colloidal silver is known to interact with a number of medications, either by reducing their effectiveness, increasing side effects, or impairing liver function as the drug is metabolized.
Possible interactions include:. Other drug interactions are possible, so advise your healthcare provider if you are taking colloidal silver, even for short-term use. There is no safe dose of colloidal silver. Moreover, it is not known at what point silver toxicity may occur.
Part of the problem is that the concentration of silver particles can vary from one brand to the next. We take a look. Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy for a variety of health issues. However, regularly consuming undiluted vinegar or applying it directly…. Cannabidiol CBD is a compound in the cannabis plant that may help ease cancer symptoms and side effects of treatment.
Learn more here. Learn the truth about copper bracelets, including magnetic ones. What is the evidence for their supposed benefits, why are they used, and why do…. Colloidal silver: Does it work and is it safe? Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. What is it? Safety and risks Uses and alleged benefits How does it work? Summary Colloidal silver is a popular dietary supplement. Share on Pinterest Colloidal silver is a liquid consisting of suspended particles of silver. Image credit: Silverliving, Safety and risks.
Uses and alleged benefits. The FTC is the Federal agency charged with protecting the public against unfair and deceptive business practices. A key area of its work is the regulation of advertising except for prescription drugs and medical devices.
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It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider s. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. Home Health Information Colloidal Silver.
Colloidal Silver. What Is Colloidal Silver? Colloidal silver consists of tiny silver particles in a liquid that is sometimes promoted on the Internet as a dietary supplement. However, evidence supporting health-related claims is lacking. In fact, colloidal silver can be dangerous to your health. Commercially available colloidal solutions can vary widely in the way that they are produced, as well as the number and size of the silver particles they contain. The exact way colloidal silver works is not fully understood.
Test-tube studies have shown that colloidal silver can kill a wide range of bacteria 8 , 9 , This has translated to its use in some healthcare products like wound creams, wound dressings and medical equipment 7 , However, due to the risks associated with ingesting colloidal silver, the effects of doing so have not been tested as an antibacterial treatment in humans Some studies have suggested that different types of silver nanoparticles may help kill viral compounds However, the amount of nanoparticles in a colloid solution can vary, and a recent study found colloidal silver to be ineffective at killing viruses, even in test-tube conditions 9.
No studies have investigated the effects of ingesting colloidal silver on viruses in people, so it lacks evidence to support its use in this way. One test-tube study showed it may stop the growth of some strains of fungi At the moment, there is little evidence to support the claim that colloidal silver is a reliable topical antifungal agent.
Additionally, no studies have investigated the effects of ingesting colloidal silver on fungal infections in humans.
Colloidal silver is claimed to have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. However, there is currently no evidence that colloidal silver has any of these health benefits. However, the environmental and health risks of silver nanoparticles are not well understood, and ingesting colloidal silver is considered unsafe. Argyria is a condition that turns the skin a blue-gray color due to a buildup of silver metal particles in the body and skin.
Silver deposits can also occur in the intestines, liver, kidneys and other organs The real risks of ingesting nanoparticles, which may be present in colloidal silver products, are also unknown.
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