Colloidal Silver

TRADE NAMES

Wellness Colloidal Silver Nasal Spray (Source Naturals), Wellness Colloidal Silver Throat Spray (Source Naturals), Colloidal Silver Silica Gold (Etherium Technology).

DESCRIPTION

Silver is a metallic element with atomic number 47 and atomic symbol Ag. It occurs in nature in ores and as a free metal and is also found in living matter. Ultratrace amounts of silver occur in the diet. The daily dietary intake of silver from food and water is approximately 300 micrograms. However, silver is not an essential nutrient for humans. Nor does it appear to be essential for any living organism.

Silver is highly toxic to most microbial cells and can be used as an antimicrobial agent. Silver-containing compounds, such as silver sulfadiazine, which has broad antimicrobial as well as antifungal activity, and silver nitrate, are used in medicine as topical agents. Colloidal silver is a suspension of extremely small silver particles and was used in medicine until the 1940s as both a topical and an internal antiseptic. Colloidal silver was also known as argentum colloidale, argentum credé and collargolum. Argentum is Latin for silver.

Colloidal silver no longer has a role in medicine but reappeared in the 1990s as a nutritional supplement. Neither colloidal silver nor any form of silver has any valid role in nutrition as a nutritional or dietary supplement.

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

ACTIONS

There are no known actions of supplemental colloidal silver.

PHARMACOKINETICS

There are no reported studies on the pharmacokinetics of colloidal silver.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

There are no indications for use of supplemental silver. In 1999, the Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule establishing that all over-the-counter products containing colloidal silver ingredients or silver salts for external or internal use are not generally recognized as safe and effective and are misbranded. These products are being marketed for numerous disease conditions, and the FDA states that it is "not aware of any substantial scientific evidence that supports the use of OTC colloidal silver ingredients or silver salts for these disease conditions."

RESEARCH SUMMARY

Silver has long been used as a topical antiseptic. Doses that could have internal antiseptic effects are not considered safe. There are many documented cases of argyria, a condition in which the skin of the entire body assumes a grayish-blue pigmentation that is irreversible and permanent. It is often attended by permanent discoloration of hair, nails and oral and gingival mucosae. Not only quantity of silver intake but also individual sensitivity to silver and other factors, such as exposure to sunlight, contribute to the appearance of argyriasis.

A number of case studies shed light on the etiology of this disfiguring condition. A 34-year old woman, for example, developed it when she took colloidal silver for 25 months in an effort to treat intestinal dyspepsia with diarrheic episodes. Some others have developed it after treating themselves with silver nitrate eye drops or to treat oral ulcers. Cases have resulted from the use of silver acetate chewing gum used as a putative, unproved smoking deterrent. One schizophrenic patient developed argyria and convulsive seizures, which some researchers also associated with prolonged silver use.

Current research makes it clear that there are no safe uses for over-the-counter silver products.

CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Supplemental colloidal silver is not advised for anyone.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Prolonged intake of colloidal silver can cause argyria, a condition in which the skin of the entire body assumes a blue-gray discoloration, particularly in areas exposed to light. Argyria is permanent and irreversible. Argyria also affects the lips, cheeks and gums.

OVERDOSAGE

There are no reports of overdosage of colloidal silver.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Supplemental colloidal silver is not recommended. Colloidal or liquid minerals often contain silver.

HOW SUPPLIED

Cream — 100 ppm

Liquid — 10 ppm, 24 ppm, 50 ppm

Nasal Spray — 10 ppm

Ointment

Throat Spray — 30 ppm

LITERATURE

Anon. Over the-counter drug products containing colloidal silver ingredients or silver salts. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Public Health Service (PHS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Final rule. Fed Regist. 1999; 64:44653-44658.

Fung MC, Bowen DL. Silver products for medical indications: risk-benefit assessment. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1996; 34:119-126.

Hollinger MA. Toxicological aspects of topical silver pharmaceuticals. Crit Rev Toxicol 1996; 26:255-260.

Ohbo Y, Fukuzako H, Takeuchi K, Takigawa M. Argyria and convulsive seizures caused by ingestion of silver in a patient with schizophrenia. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1996; 50:89-90.

Pardo-Peret P, Sans-Sebrafen J, Boleda Relats M. [Argyriasis. Report of a case.] [Article in Spanish.] Med Clin (Barc). 1979; 73:386-389.

Russell AD, Hugo WB. Antimicrobial activity and action of silver. Prog Med Chem. 1994; 31:351-370.

Slawson RM, Lee H, Trevors JT. Bacterial interactions with silver. Biol Met. 1990; 3:151-154.