Some people claim that taking colloidal silver, either as a supplement or as a hydrosol sprayed or applied on the skin, helps keep them healthy. However, there is little evidence to back up these claims. In 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declared that over-the-counter products containing colloidal silver "are not generally recognized as safe and effective and are misbranded." The FDA continues to release similar warnings every few years, as colloidal silver products are still marketed as health tonics.
Legitimate Uses
Manufacturers of colloidal silver products claim that silver is an essential mineral, which it isn't, says MayoClinic.com. A colloidal silver hydrosol is composed of tiny silver particles suspended in liquid. Applied to the skin, manufacturers claim it helps boost your immune system to fight bacteria, viruses, herpes, shingles, and even serious diseases like cancer and HIV/AIDS. There are no scientific studies to back up any of these claims, according to the Mayo Clinic article. The only approved medical applications of silver are certain medicines or bandages used to treat skin wounds and to prevent conjunctivitis in infants, according to the FDA.
Argyria
While none of the health claims of colloidal silver hydrosol are proven, risks of using this product do exist. The most common is argyria, a skin condition caused by silver particles building up in your body over time. Argyria causes your skin, eyes and nails to turn a blue-gray color; the discoloration can even occur in your gums and internal organs. Argyria cannot be reversed even if you stop using colloidal silver, and scientists have not determined how much silver causes the condition to begin occurring, so it's best to avoid using colloidal silver altogether if you don't want your skin to turn blue.
Other Risks
According to the Mayo Clinic article, taking excessive doses of colloidal silver may cause seizures, other neurological problems or kidney damage. It can also irritate the skin and may negatively interact with medications such as penicillamine, quinolones, tetracycline and thyroxine. The FDA encourages consumers and doctors to report cases of argynia and other adverse side effects of colloidal silver to its MedWatch program.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Colloidal silver: Is it safe or effective?
- National Institutes of Health: Over-the-counter drug products containing colloidal silver ingredients or silver salts
- Food and Drug Administration: Consumer Advisory: Dietary Supplements Containing Silver May Cause Permanent Discoloration of Skin and Mucous Membranes
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