Colloidal Silver Facts

Colloidal silver is created by using electricity to suspend microscopic silver particles in water. Commercially, colloidal silver is defined as any product that includes high concentrations of silver, in water or other substances. Advocates often claim colloidal silver is a panacea, while the FDA and other opponents say that it has no medicinal value and causes numerous health complications.

History

• Silver coins have been used as a preservative in many different liquids for years, as they prevented the growth of algae and other organisms. Early pioneers in North America placed silver dollars in milk to prolong its freshness. The first silver colloid, called Argyrol, was created in 1901 by a Prussian chemist named Hille Barnes. It was the first non-toxic antibiotic created, and was used to combat bacterial infections. By 1937, there were over 48 different silver colloids on the market, though some were more dangerous than others. Colloidal silver use dropped dramatically in the mid 1940's due to its high price and the discovery of modern antibiotics. In 1990, the FDA banned the use of silver colloids in over-the-counter products, as it didn't meet required standards.

Uses

• Colloidal silver is sold today primarily as a dietary supplement, and is only legal if the manufacturer makes no claims about health benefits. Modern strains of bacteria are beginning to become immune to commonly used antibiotics, which has resulted in a resurgence of colloidal silver as an alternative medicine. Some websites claim that colloidal silver is effective against the flu, diabetes, cancer, HIV, the common cold and tuberculosis, though no medical evidence is available to support these claims. Colloidal silver is also used in Russia and by the World Health Organization as a water disinfectant.

Dosage

• The recommended daily dosage of colloidal silver is about one teaspoon, containing 10 parts per million silver. This amount is derived from the average silver intake per day of other foods. The body is readily able to pass this small amount of silver, and its consumption will not likely lead to excessive levels of silver. It is generally taken orally, but can also be purchased as a cream and applied topically.

Warnings

• Excessive levels of silver in the body can lead to a condition known as argyria, or the permanent gray or blue tinting of the skin color. However, this is uncommon and results from extended periods of ingestion of high levels of silver. Kidney damage, upset stomach and headaches can also occur from regular use. Brain and nerve damage is rare, but can result from exposure to large amounts of silver.

Regulation

• The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration regards colloidal silver as a significant threat to public health, and has taken steps to reduce the availability of the product, which is illegal in Australia. Numerous websites still advocate the health benefits of colloidal silver, but the United States government has issued warnings to remove such information. Despite the warnings, the product is still sold as a dietary supplement in natural health stores and other businesses that sell alternative medicine.