Marketed as a cure-all, colloidal silver has muddled and controversial history. Its use was wide-spread prior the mass production of antibiotics in the 1940s, but declined considerably thereafter. Since the 1990s it has regained a bit of popularity as an alternative medicine, albeit without any additional non-anecdotal support of its effectiveness. Ionic silver solutions in high concentration can kill bacteria in the laboratory; however the non-ionic liquid suspension of silver particles are biologically inert. It is often unclear which form of colloidal silver a specific manufacturer produces.
Bioaccumulation of Silver
Silver is a non-essential element to your body, and it is not used or metabolized. Worse, instead of just passing through, some of it builds up is bodily tissues permanently. This accumulation of silver is additive as more of it is ingested. As the concentrations of silver in your tissues increase, it leads to a condition called argyria, giving the skin a pronounced blue-gray cast, especially those areas exposed to sunshine. The condition is irreversible, but otherwise benign.
Neurological Complications
At least one death has been attributed to irreversible neurologic toxicity associated with the ingestion of colloidal silver. Researchers at the London Health Sciences Centre reported that a 71-year-old man developed myoclonic status epilepticus after a 4-month long daily regimen of colloidal silver. He soon lapsed into a coma and died 5 months later. There is no treatment for an overdose of silver.
Renal Complications
Your kidneys assist the body in maintaining water balance and filtering particles out of solution. In most circumstances, your kidneys should have no problem dealing with the silver particles that pass through it. However, it is recommended that those who have experienced kidney failure consult a physician before initiating a regiment of colloidal silver supplements.
References
- National Institutes of Health: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Colloidal Silver Products
- Amercian Academy of Neurology: Brief Communications: Myoclonic status epilepticus following repeated oral ingestion of colloidal silver
- United States Environmental Protection Agency: Integrated risk information system: Silver
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