Sold commercially worldwide, colloidal silver is a product that contains microscopic pieces of pure silver within demineralized water or some other type of liquid.
In most cases, this form is marketed to be used orally but there are intravenous colloidal silver products available, too.
Frequently regarded as an antibacterial agent, colloidal silver is used in topical wound dressings to help wounds, skin infections, and other skin ailments heal quicker.
Some also claim that this supplement can help cure colds more swiftly, strengthen the immune system, and even treat HIV and cancer.
Whilst these claims may sound promising, no scientific research currently backs them up. However, more research is required to completely understand the potential benefits of colloidal silver.
In today’s post, we are going to discuss colloidal silver and whether it is effective at healing the body of certain conditions.
We will also find out if it is safe for everyday use and the possible side effects that come with taking the product.
If you’re considering using colloidal silver, read on to find out if it is the right supplement for you.
What Is Colloidal Silver?
Colloidal silver is essentially a solution of tiny, miniscule silver particles that are suspended in a liquid base.
When searching for colloidal silver online, you will typically find it advertised as a dietary supplement, but there is currently no scientific evidence to back this up.
Marketed as a remedy to tackle a variety of health concerns, colloidal silver can be taken orally or via other methods, including:
- Spray applications
- Applied to the skin
- Injected into veins or muscles
Silver has been used medicinally for centuries, but this is slightly different from colloidal silver at a molecular level. In the past, medical professionals believed silver was a “cure-all” medicine.
It has been used to try and combat conditions from herpes to arthritis and tuberculosis to cancer. Most often, silver has been used as an antimicrobial for wounds, and it is still used in bandages today.
Of course, as history tells us, what doctors thought was good for health in the past has since been found to be quite the opposite. But, is this the case with colloidal silver?
Is Colloidal Silver Safe?
When taken in large doses or over a prolonged period of time, colloidal silver can result in serious side effects. For many who take the supplement, however, they may not experience any immediate side effects.
But, it is its long term use that comes with the most concern regarding side effects. Over time, silver particles can begin to accumulate in the body (Find out How Long Does Colloidal Silver Stay In The Body?).
They can embed in the body’s tissues and organs, in particular, the skin. Over a long period of time, this can result in argyria, a condition that sees the skin discolor.
Argyria can cause skin to turn a bluish-gray. Usually, it affects the gums first before turning skin, nails, eyes, and even deeper tissue levels into a bluish-gray tone.
Studies have found that silver has been associated with certain risks, such as:
- Reproductive issues
- Liver and kidney dysfunction
- Left ventricular hypertrophy
Nonetheless, it is still unclear how toxic silver really is to internal organs as more research is required.
Although there is limited research into the short-term side effects of taking colloidal silver, there is more light on its long term side effects.
Some common side effects associated with long term colloidal silver intake include:
- Argyria
- Discoloring of the fingernails
- Ocular argyrosis (eye discoloration)
The extent of the discoloration tends to be determined by the dosage taken and factors specific to the patient.
The most severe side effect tends to be argyria as the skin, eye, or organ discoloration is usually permanent (Also check out this Comprehensive Guide of Colloidal Silver For Eyes).
It is essential that the directions of the product’s labeling is followed correctly when taking colloidal silver. If any side effects occur, you must contact your healthcare provider immediately.
There has been one case of death associated with taking colloidal silver. This involved a 71-year-old man who took a daily dose of the supplement for four months before developing myoclonic status epilepticus.
Many reports associating colloidal silver with severe conditions, such as cancer and kidney injuries, are simply suggestions. It was not proven that colloidal silver was the cause of such severe outcomes, including the patient’s death.
It is also worth noting that colloidal silver may cause poor absorption of certain medicines, such as antibiotics.
In 1999. The FDA warned that colloidal silver was not effective for treating any condition or disease and has gone on to take action against various companies who make misleading claims regarding the possible benefits surrounding colloidal silver.
Colloidal Silver Health Benefits
Although no research backs up claims that colloidal silver prevents or fights serious conditions, such as AIDS, HIV, and cancer, there are some benefits when it comes to applying ointments containing silver to the skin.
Some possible topical silver health benefits include:
- Successful treatment for acne
- Containing antimicrobial properties
- Aid in healing different skin wounds or infections
- Helps in treating conjunctivitis in newborn babies
Topical colloidal silver is marketed as being antimicrobial with germ-fighting agents. However, one clinical study indicated that this may not be true.
But, other studies have found some positive healing results when silver nanoparticles have been included in dressings and bandages for wounds.
Some cosmetics and acne treatments also contain colloidal silver but more research is needed to find if it is indeed beneficial for treating acne.
When used topically in small doses, colloidal silver should not pose much of a threat or risk of argyria to people.
In Summary
Colloidal silver is a supplement that is marketed and sold as a dietary supplement today. It is also used as an antimicrobial agent in bandages to help treat and heal wounds faster.
However, more research is needed into the possible side effects and benefits of taking this product, with many healthcare professionals claiming it has no medical benefits whatsoever and will do more harm than good if taken over a long period of time.