Colloidal silver

Colloidal Silver is a suspension of submicroscopic silver particles in a colloidal base. Long-term use of silver preparations can lead to argyria, a condition in which silver salts deposit in the skin, eyes, and internal organs, and the skin turns ashen-gray.

History

The use of silver in medicine dates back to ancient times. The Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Phoenicians all recognized the antimicrobial properties of silver. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, colloidal silver was widely used by physicians as a mainstream antibiotic treatment and was a significant part of the medical toolbox until the late 1930s.

Production

Colloidal silver is produced through an electrolysis process, which reduces silver from a larger piece into microscopic, ionized particles. These particles are then suspended in a liquid, typically deionized water, creating a colloidal suspension.

Uses

Colloidal silver has been marketed as a remedy for a variety of health conditions. It is often used as a dietary supplement or applied topically for skin conditions. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that colloidal silver isn't safe or effective for treating any disease or condition.

Health Risks

The most common side effect of colloidal silver is argyria. Argyria is a condition that turns the skin a blue-gray color due to a buildup of silver metal particles in the body and skin. Other side effects can include kidney damage and neurological problems.

Regulation

In 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a rule prohibiting over-the-counter products from being labeled as treatments for any disease or condition without approval. The FDA has taken action against a number of companies for making unproven health claims about their colloidal silver products.

See Also

• Alternative medicine
• Dietary supplement
• Argyria