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The Pros & Cons of Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver is comprised of tiny silver particles suspended in a liquid base. This compound is commonly used in the manufacturing of jewelry, dental fillings, silverware and other consumer goods. Recently colloidal silver products have been marketed as dietary supplements and is available in forms that can be swallowed, sprayed, applied or injected. The Food and Drug Administration has investigated companies who have made unproven health claims about the colloidal silver supplement that they manufacture or market and has taken legal action against them.

  1. Common Uses

    • Silver has been used since the late 1800s for various medical applications. A silver nitrate solution is required by law in most states as a topical eye drop to prevent eye infections. Use of colloidal silver as eye drops may carry similar benefits, but the effectiveness has not been evaluated by medical testing. Colloidal silver has also been used by some individuals as an antimicrobial agent, but through testing conducted by the FDA it was proven that colloidal silver solution did not have any effect on common microorganisms. Colloidal supplements have also been advertised as mineral supplements to treat yeast, leprosy, parasites, viruses and lung conditions among many others.

    Side Effects

    • According to Dr. Brent A. Bauer of the Mayo Clinic, the use of colloidal silver or any other form of silver over an extended period of time can cause a condition called Argyria. This condition causes skin color changes that will result in a blue-gray hyper-pigmentation. The ingestion of colloidal silver can also cause irreversible neurological toxicity which can result in death or a persistent vegetative state as well as seizures, kidney damage, skin irritation and other neurological problems. Colloidal silver can also interact with certain medications reducing or interfering with the drug's effectiveness.

    FDA Rulings

    • In 1997, the FDA issued a final ruling on all over-the-counter drugs that contain colloidal silver or silver salt as ingredients. The FDA has stated that any product containing these ingredients is not generally recognized as safe or effective and is misbranded if the product states otherwise. The ruling also states that the FDA is not aware of any substantial scientific evidence that supports the use of colloidal silver or silver salt for the treatment or any disease or condition.

    General Conclusions

    • While there is some anecdotal evidence that colloidal silver supplements in various forms have helped patients with infection, diabetes and other medical conditions, the FDA has ruled that any supplement containing this ingredient or its derivatives have not been proven effective for the treatment of these conditions. Colloidal silver has not been found to have any positive effects in other areas such as sanitation. The pros of colloidal silver are non-existent -- at least from a testing standpoint -- while the consequences are serious. Individuals are advised to consult a doctor with any questions regarding the benefits, uses and side effects of supplements and medications with this ingredient in order to make an informed decision.

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