Colloidal silver is a dietary supplement marketed as a treatment and/or cure for many medical conditions. However, according to the Food and Drug Administration, silver is a nonessential mineral that doesn't have any known health benefits. Colloidal silver isn't approved by the FDA for any oral use, but because dietary supplements aren't strictly regulated by the FDA, the product can still be sold. As with many supplements, ingesting colloidal silver can be dangerous.
Neurological Danger
A risk of seizures is associated with the use of colloidal silver. The American Academy of Neurology reports that myoclonic status epilepticus, or epilepsy, has been reported. In this case, the patient lapsed into a coma and eventually died.
Kidney Damage
With prolonged use of colloidal silver, silver deposits may accumulate in the kidneys. This may lead to kidney damage because the silver deposits are coarse and can limit kidney function.
Birth Defects
Pregnant women who ingest colloidal silver are placing the fetus at risk of developmental abnormalities, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Because of this, if you are pregnant, you should stay away from colloidal silver.
Medication Absorption
Colloidal silver may interact with certain medications, such as tetracycline, quinolones, penacillamine and thyroxine, according to MayoClinic.com. The body may not absorb these medications efficiently when you take colloidal silver. This can make treatments ineffective for conditions such as infections.
Argyria
Argyria is a condition in which the mucous membranes, skin, nail beds, eye whites and internal organs turn a blue-silver color. This condition isn't considered physically harmful, but it is permanent. If you take significant doses of colloidal silver, you may notice a rapid progression of argyria; but the progression may be slower if you take small or infrequent doses. The FDA reports that some people with argyria may suffer from social or psychological problems.
References
- FDA: Consumer Advisory: Dietary Supplements Containing Silver May Cause Permanent Discoloration of Skin and Mucous Membranes (Argyria)
- American Academy of Neurology: Myoclonic status epilepticus following repeated oral ingestion of colloidal silver
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Colloidal Silver
- MayoClinic.com: Colloidal Silver
- SilverMedicine.org: Colloidal Silver Safety of Use: The EPA Guidelines
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