Dangers of Colloidal Silver

July 24, 2018   |   Evidence in Integrative Healthcare

NCCIH published a July 2018 message with strong warnings for all integrative healthcare providers recommending colloidal silver for patient use. Colloidal silver consists of tiny silver particles in a liquid sometimes promoted as a dietary supplement, however evidence supporting health-related claims is lacking. It can, in fact, be dangerous to health to consume colloidal silver. There are serious side effects including argyria, a permanent, bluish-gray discoloration of the skin; it can also cause poor absorption of thyroid medications and antibiotics. Colloidal silver has not been found to treat any disease condition and is not a nutritionally essential mineral or useful as a dietary supplement. The FDA has warned the public repeatedly about the dangers of ingesting colloidal silver. NCCIH states “However, there are no legally marketed prescription or over-the-counter drugs containing colloidal silver that are taken by mouth.”