Colloidal silver - beware the hype

What is it?

Colloidal silver is a mineral. Despite what many companies may claim, silver has no known function in the body and is not an essential mineral supplement.

How does it work?

Colloidal silver can kill certain germs by binding to and destroying proteins. However, more evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of colloidal silver for any of it’s claimed uses, including yeast, bacterial, parasitic, viral and fungal infections.

Is it safe?

No. The silver in colloidal silver products gets deposited in vital organs such as the skin, liver, spleen, kidney, muscle, and brain. This can lead to an irreversible bluish skin discoloration that first appears in the gums. It can also stimulate melanin production in skin, and areas exposed to the sun will become increasingly discolored. In addition, there are interactions with certain antibiotics.

Final word? Avoid this one, the risks far outweigh the very small potential of any benefit.

Source: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database 2011