Colloidal silver as a health remedy is an old story.But modern scientists continue to question its panacea status.That’s why internal medicine specialist Melissa Young, MD, says people need to be cautious when deciding to use it.
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“Under no circumstances should you take it internally — as an over-the-counter supplement,” Dr. Young said.
So, is colloidal silver in any form safe?Dr. Young talks about the uses, benefits and potential side effects of colloidal silver – from turning your skin blue to harming your internal organs.
Colloidal silver is a solution of tiny silver particles suspended in a liquid matrix.It’s the same silver as the metal – the kind you find in a periodic table or jewelry box.But instead of making bracelets and rings, many companies market colloidal silver as a basic dietary supplement or alternative medicine.
Product labels promise to eliminate toxins, poisons and fungi.Not only does the manufacturer get rid of the stuff, they also guarantee that colloidal silver will boost your immune system.Some even claim it is an effective treatment for cancer, diabetes, HIV and Lyme disease.
The use of colloidal silver as a health supplement dates back to 1500 BC in China.Due to its antibacterial properties, silver was commonly used by ancient civilizations to treat various ailments.But colloidal silver has only recently fallen out of favor once effective antibiotics have emerged.
Today, it’s most commonly used as a home remedy for colds and respiratory infections, Dr. Young said.They either ingest or gargle the liquid, or inhale it using a nebulizer (a medical device that turns the liquid into a breathable mist).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that colloidal silver is more like snake oil than panacea.The FDA even took action against companies selling the product as a panacea.
They made this strong statement in 1999: “Over-the-counter medicines containing colloidal silver or silver salts for internal or topical use are generally not considered safe and effective and are It is marketed for many serious conditions for which the FDA is not aware of any substantial scientific evidence to support the use of over-the-counter colloidal silver or ingredients or silver salts to treat these conditions.”
Scientists don’t fully understand the role of colloidal silver in your body.But the key to its reputation as a microbe-killer starts with the mixture itself.When silver encounters moisture, the moisture triggers a chain reaction that eventually releases silver ions from the silver particles.Scientists believe that silver ions destroy bacteria by disrupting proteins on the cell membrane or outer wall.
The cell membrane is the barrier that protects the inside of the cell.When they’re intact, there won’t be any cells that shouldn’t go in.The damaged protein makes it easier for silver ions to pass through the cell membrane and into the interior of the bacteria.Once inside, the silver can cause enough damage that the bacteria die.The size, shape and concentration of the silver particles in the liquid solution determine the effectiveness of this process.However, some studies have shown that bacteria can become resistant to silver.
But one problem with silver as a bacteria killer is that silver ions make no difference.Cells are cells, so your healthy human cells may also be at risk of damage.
“The internal use of colloidal silver is potentially harmful,” Dr. Yang said.”Silver can get into your healthy cells and cause them to die, just as they cause bacteria to die. However, some research suggests that colloidal silver may benefit minor skin wounds or burns.”
Manufacturers sell colloidal silver as a spray or liquid.Product names vary, but you’ll most often see these names on store shelves:
How much colloidal silver each product contains depends on the manufacturer.Most range from 10 to 30 parts per million (ppm) silver.But even that concentration can be too much.This is because the unsafe dose limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can easily be exceeded.
The WHO and EPA base these limits on the development of serious colloidal silver side effects such as skin discoloration — not the lowest dose that could cause harm.So even if you stay below the “unsafe dose limit,” you can still cause harm to yourself, although you can avoid the most serious side effects.
“Just because something is an over-the-counter herb or supplement doesn’t mean it’s safe. Not only does the FDA warn against using colloidal silver internally, but the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health also says it can cause serious side effects,” Dr. Young said. .”You should avoid it. It can cause harm, and there isn’t any strong scientific evidence that it works.”
Bottom line: Never take colloidal silver internally as it has not been proven effective or safe.But if you want to use it on your skin, ask your doctor first.Some doctors use silver-containing medicines to fight infections, such as conjunctivitis.Manufacturers also add silver to some bandages and dressings to help people recover faster.
“When applied to the skin, the benefits of colloidal silver may extend to minor infections, irritations and burns,” explains Dr. Young.”Silver’s antibacterial properties can help prevent or treat infections. But if you notice redness or inflammation in the affected area after using colloidal silver, stop using it and seek medical attention.”
Colloidal silver manufacturing is like the Wild West, with little to no rules and oversight, so you don’t really know what you’re buying.Follow your doctor’s instructions to stay safe.
The Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.Advertising on our website helps support our mission.We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.policy
Colloidal silver as a health remedy is an old story.But modern scientists question its panacea status.Our experts explain.