Colloidal Silver…. Is it Safe or Not?

Colloidal silver is a topic that’s recently been discussed in our spinal cord injury (SCI) peer support group conversations for the treatment of UTIs and The Rollin' RNs felt compelled to share the hazards of its use. For clarification, we are not including the silver ointments used for wounds of the skin. We are only discussing the oral, ingestion of silver products. Colloidal silver is being recommended as a treatment for UTIs with statements like, "colloidal silver is a miracle drug being used for UTIs and sepsis." But we are here to simplify the myth and to share the information we have found. First off, to clarify, in our many, many years of being a nursing professional, we have never, ever heard of colloidal silver being suggested for use by any physician, EVER.

PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE INGESTING ANY SILVER

In our research, every publication states, "Colloidal silver is claimed to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. However, there is currently no evidence that colloidal silver has any of these health benefits." Some people claim that colloidal silver can help treat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Yet, the exact way colloidal silver works is not fully understood. It's thought that the silver can bind to bacterial cells and damage their cell walls and DNA, resulting in cell death. That statement itself sounds frightening.

Health Risks and Safety Information:

• 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. Argyria is not reversible. It has been referred to as “tattooing the body from the inside out.”

• Silver deposits can also occur in the intestines, liver, kidneys, and other organs and cause internal damage.

• Topical silver (used on the skin) has some appropriate medical uses, such as in bandages and dressings to treat burns, skin wounds, or skin infections. It's also in medicines to prevent conjunctivitis (an eye condition) in newborns. However, there are no legally marketed prescription or over-the-counter drugs containing colloidal silver that are taken by mouth.

• Do not use colloidal silver, in any form, when pregnant or breastfeeding.

• The FDA also warned in 1999 that colloidal silver is not safe or effective for treating ANY disease or condition.

• The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission have taken action against several companies for making misleading claims about colloidal silver products.

Bottom line: Considering the risks and lack of proven benefits, using colloidal silver products is probably not a good idea. Again, consult with your physician.

It's all good so keep on rollin'

Patty, BSN, RNC and Roberta, RN

The Rollin' RNs ™

References:

All About Colloidal Silver: Is It Healthy or Dangerous? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/colloidal-silver.

Colloidal Silver. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/colloidal-silver.

Colloidal Silver. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-779/colloidal-silver.