Manufacturers of colloidal silver claim that it has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years and that it will fight infection and be a "cure-all" for medical conditions. The U.S, Food and Drug Association warns against it's use and indicates that colloidal silver is considered to be generally unsafe and not recommended for use in children.
Identification
Colloidal silver is a mixture of small microscopic particles of silver that are suspended in liquid. The National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine confirms that silver has been used for medicinal purpose in the past, but has since been replaced by safer medicines. Alternative medical treatments still promote colloidal silver as a healing agent. There have been no medical studies to prove using colloidal silver for your child is safe or effective.
Uses
Brent A. Bauer, M.D., an internist at the Mayo Clinic, indicates that manufacturers of colloidal silver claims it boosts your immune system, fights off bacteria and viruses, treats cancer and HIV/AIDS and prevents shingles, herpes and many other illnesses. Bauer reminds the public that there is no medical evidence to back up any of these claims.
Colloidal silver can be taken as a dietary supplement, applied to your skin or injected into your body.
Warnings
The USDA has not approved use of colloidal silver in humans and has warned manufacturers against making false claims. They do not believe colloidal is safe to use and do not believe it is able to treat medical conditions.
Colloidal silver has not been tested for safety in children less than 18 years of age.
Side Effects
One of the most common side effects from taking colloidal silver is a medical condition called argyria. Argyria turns your skin a bluish-gray color and is a non-reversible medical condition, according to Bauer. Bauer indicates that other irreversible side effects of using colloidal silver in children can include seizures and neurological problems, kidney damage and skin irritation.
Using colloidal silver may also cause digestive upset, headaches and fatigue. It can also interfere with the absorption of other medications such as penicillamine, quinolones, thyroxine and tetracyclines.
Doses
The National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that no safe dosage of colloidal silver has been established for children. They advise you to speak to your medical practitioner if you are considering giving your child colloidal silver.
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