This public domain fact sheet provides a general overview of colloidal silver products, discusses scientific research findings on their use for health purposes, and suggests additional sources of information.
Key Points
- Colloidal silver products consist of tiny silver particles suspended in liquid. They are usually marketed as dietary supplements.
- Over-the-counter colloidal silver products are not considered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be generally recognized as safe and effective for diseases and conditions.
- The FDA has taken action against a number of colloidal silver companies (such as Web sites) for making drug-like claims about their products.
- Colloidal silver can cause serious side effects. One is argyria, a bluish-gray discoloration of the body. Argyria is not treatable or reversible.
- If you are considering using a colloidal silver product, talk with all your health care providers. Discussing its use with your health care team is important for your safety and helps each provider make sure that all aspects of your health care are working together.
Silver is a metallic element that is mined as a precious metal. It has various industrial uses--for example, in jewelry, silverware, electronic equipment, dental fillings, photographic processing, and disinfecting water. People are commonly exposed to silver, usually in tiny amounts, through the environment (such as the air), drinking water, and food, and possibly their work or hobbies. Silver has no known biological function in living organisms.
Silver has had some medicinal uses going back for centuries. However, more modern and less toxic drugs have eliminated most of those uses. A few prescription drugs containing silver are still available. For example, silver nitrate can be used to prevent an eye condition called conjunctivitis in newborn babies and to treat certain skin conditions, such as corns and warts. Another drug, silver sulfadizine, can be used to treat burns. These drugs are applied to the body (i.e., they are not taken internally), and they can have negative side effects.
Colloidal silver products consist of tiny silver particles suspended in a liquid base. Sometimes other ingredients are added, such as proteins, coloring, etc. The products are usually taken by mouth (in which case the products are considered dietary supplements). Some other types are sprayed, applied to the skin, or injected into a vein.
Next: Health Considerations For Using Colloidal Silver Products
