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What are the Benefits and Risks of Colloidal Silver?

by — Last updated: 2017-09-06 in Healthy Living
Reviewed by Medical Team — 2017-08-18

Table of Contents

Colloidal silver has been around for many years and before 1938, the substance was used as both a germicide and disinfectant.

What Are the Benefits of Colloidal Silver?

For many centuries and by many different cultures, silver has been used as a preservative and an infection killing agent. Besides being an effective solution for disinfecting drinking water and having natural antibacterial properties, colloidal silver use has other benefits, which include the following:

  • Antiseptic
  • Antimicrobial (inhibits certain types of bacteria growth) [5]

What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Colloidal Silver?

The Food and Drug Administration does not consider colloidal silver to be safe or effective at treating any particular disease or disorder.  They point out that there have been no credible research studies done to back up claims made by manufacturers, and to this date, there have been no definitive studies published in any credible medical journals. The FDA claims taking colloidal silver can have serious side effects and cause unnecessary health risks such as [6]:

  • Argyria:  a blue-gray skin discoloration to the skin, fingernail beds, and gums which are permanent.
  • Neurological problems and seizures
  • Kidney damage
  • Skin irritation
  • Indigestion
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Can interact with penicillin, quinolones, tetracycline and thyroxine drugs

Colloidal Silver Use and the FDA

In August of 1999, the FDA prohibited colloidal silver manufacturers and sellers from making any therapeutic claims about the substance. At this time, the FDA also banned over-the-counter sales of colloidal silver due to the lack of safety and efficacy studies. 

Colloidal silver now has the status of being a dietary supplement. The FDA implemented a policy and issued stern warnings to internet sites promoting colloidal silver for antibiotic purposes or medical treatment. [2]

Overview

There are several ways in which colloidal silver can be beneficial, though it is not promoted as a health necessity or for use in traditional medical treatments. The FDA claims the solution cannot cure any disease and has not been proven to be beneficial to any health conditions. Excessive use of colloidal silver has shown to be detrimental to health and should be avoided.  Before taking any alternative health treatment or medication, it is advisable for a person to first consult with a physician to avoid any adverse or dangerous health-related consequences.