Health Benefits of Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver (silver proteins or colloidal silver proteins) is a suspension of tiny silver particles in a liquid. The metal is often touted as an "all-healing" remedy, but there's no evidence that it's effective for human health when taken orally. The only potential medical benefit of colloidal silver has to do with its antibacterial effects.

Silver has been used for medicinal and health benefits for thousands of years before antibiotics were available. Healthcare providers sometimes use dressings that contain colloidal silver to treat wounds.

Colloidal silver has become popular among wellness enthusiasts hoping to boost their overall health, but it can be dangerous. The metal can lead to poisoning if ingested orally or cause permanent blue skin if applied topically. Read on to learn more about the medicinal properties of colloidal silver and whether it's safe.

Has Antibacterial Properties

Silver has been used for antibacterial purposes for thousands of years. The metal was used to treat wounds, like burns, and to preserve water and food in ancient Greek and Roman times, silver.

A compound called silver nitrate was commonly used as an antibiotic in the 1970s. Silver nitrate was phased out after the invention of antimicrobial medications. Certain silver-based treatments are still used in medicine for wound care and burns.

Colloidal silver has been shown to have antibacterial effects against multidrug-resistant bacteria such as E. coli, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and Enterococcus species. Silver has the ability to bind to sulfur atoms in proteins and enzymes located on the surface of bacteria. The metal then deactivates enzymes necessary for the bacteria to survive.

Colloidal silver has also been shown to enhance the activity of antibiotics against harmful bacteria. Research has found that colloidal silver may help improve the effectiveness of antibiotics like ampicillin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol against E. coli in animals. This bacteria causes a number of infections, such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Keep in mind that colloidal silver has only been proven effective for topical treatment in humans. No evidence supports its antibacterial use when taken orally.

Might Promote Wound Healing

Colloidal silver-based dressings are sometimes used in the medical field to heal wounds. Silver particles help reduce inflammation and stimulate new cell growth, which can speed skin healing. 

Some evidence suggests that sponges with colloidal silver could stimulate wound healing and reduce post-surgical complications after oral surgeries. Silver dressings may also treat other wounds, such as burns.

Keep in mind that silver-based therapies are only used by medical experts in certain situations. It's not recommended to use colloidal silver to treat wounds at home. While colloidal silver and other silver-based treatments may be effective for healing some wounds, silver products may actually impair wound healing when used improperly.

In high concentrations, the metal can be toxic to fibroblasts, which are special cells that play critical roles in wound healing.

Avoid using colloidal silver on wounds like cuts and burns at home. Contact a healthcare provider for proper treatment if you have a wound that's not healing well.

How To Take

Don't take colloidal silver orally. Unlike minerals such as magnesium and zinc, silver doesn't serve any physiological purpose in the body. It's also important not to use colloidal silver topically unless a healthcare provider recommends it. Ingesting colloidal silver or using it inappropriately on your skin can lead to serious side effects, some of which can be life-threatening. 

Dosage

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given a Reference Dose (RfD) of 5 micrograms (μg) per kilograms (kg) of body weight per day for chronic oral silver exposure. RfD is the highest oral dose of a toxic substance that's unlikely to result in health issues.

Most colloidal silver products contain very high amounts of silver, which makes it relatively easy for a person to exceed the RfD for oral silver. Ingesting high amounts of colloidal silver or taking it for a long time can lead to silver toxicity, which can be fatal.

Is Colloidal Silver Safe?

Colloidal silver has not been proven safe or effective for oral use. In 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that it isn't safe or effective for treating any health concern.

The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have taken action against colloidal silver supplement manufacturers for making false claims about colloidal silver. The FDA and FTC have pointed out that manufacturers have falsely promoted it as a way to treat and prevent diseases like COVID. 

The sale of commercial colloidal silver products isn't banned in the United States. Companies still aren't allowed to claim that colloidal silver supplements benefit health in any way or are effective in treating or preventing any health condition.

Never take colloidal silver orally because it can lead to complications. Silver can build up in your system over time, leading to argyria. Argyria is a bluish-gray coloring of the skin that's usually permanent.

Potential Drug Interactions

Colloidal silver has the potential to interact with some commonly prescribed medications, such as antibiotics and thyroid medications. The metal can interfere with the absorption of antibiotics, leading to an increased risk of infection and complications. Taking colloidal silver with thyroid medications like levothyroxine can also reduce your body's ability to properly absorb the drug.

What To Look For

Keep in mind that the FDA minimally regulates supplements, including colloidal silver. You'll want to talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using colloidal silver. Look for products that have been third-party tested and display a seal of quality assurance. Third-party testers include ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, and U.S. Pharmacopeia.

Can You Take Too Much?

You can take too much colloidal silver. Silver builds up in the body and can reach toxic levels over time. Taking too much colloidal silver can lead to a condition called silver toxicity. Silver toxicity is caused by silver build-up in tissues, which has toxic effects on organs like the kidneys and liver.

Colloidal Silver Side Effects

Colloidal silver products have been linked to a number of side effects. There have been documented reports of significant complications caused by intentional and accidental overdose of colloidal silver.

Side effects related to consuming colloidal silver include:

• Argyria: Taking too much colloidal silver can cause your skin to turn a bluish-gray color. This condition is usually harmless, but it's considered a permanent skin condition. 
• Kidney damage: Silver can build up in the kidneys over time, which can injure the glomeruli. This is the blood-filtering mechanism of the kidneys.  
• Nerve damage: There have been reports of neuropathy (nerve damage) in the eyes, hands, and feet of people taking colloidal silver supplements. 
• Psychosis: Chronic ingestion of colloidal silver can lead to toxic blood levels of silver. This can cause psychosis, a mental condition in which people lose touch with reality. 
• Seizures: Colloidal silver has been linked to myoclonic seizures. This type of seizure causes brief spasms of muscles.  

Silver toxicity can be fatal in rare cases. Colloidal silver supplements can be dangerous when misused, so it's not recommended to take them for any health reasons. It's important to contact a healthcare provider if you're interested in using colloidal silver for a topical reason. Silver can be absorbed through your skin and may cause complications.

A Quick Review

Colloidal silver has some uses in the medical field, but it's not recommended as a home remedy. The metal has not been proven safe or effective for treating or preventing any condition. Taking too much colloidal silver can be dangerous and cause serious side effects.

It's not a good idea to ingest colloidal silver. Contact a healthcare provider if you have questions about colloidal silver or are interested in using it for topical reasons.