Colloidal silver: Does it work and is it safe?

Updated on August 18, 2020

Colloidal silver is a common dietary supplement that may be used for a wide range of purposes. Some people take this substance orally when they are experiencing specific symptoms. It may also be used as a daily dietary supplement to improve general health or in topical applications. 

Although silver has been used in the medical field and other industries throughout history, people still question its safety and effectiveness as a supplement. Below is some information to help you understand how colloidal silver is created and how it may be used, as well as the risks associated with colloidal silver. 

What is Colloidal silver?

Colloidal silver is a substance that is usually available in liquid form. It contains small silver particles suspended in the liquid that are intended to be consumed by mouth. However, some colloidal silver products may also be produced in the form of a topical cream. 

Colloidal silver supplements are different from ionic silver and silver hydrosol. This is an important distinction, as ionic silver and silver hydrosol may carry a higher risk of side effects. In general, these products are considered more dangerous than those containing colloidal silver. 

Safety and risks

If used improperly, studies have shown that silver may have a harmful effect on the human body. Some of the possible risks of taking silver include:

  • Argyria – Perhaps the most well-known potential side effect of taking silver is argyria, which occurs when the skin and mucous membranes develop a bluish tint. This phenomenon occurs because of a buildup of silver particles in the tissues. Argyria is often irreversible. 
  • Organ damage – In some cases, silver particles may build up in the organs, such as the kidneys and liver, leading to organ damage. 
  • Neurological issues – Some people who consume colloidal silver in large amounts may develop neurological problems related to the accumulation of too much silver in the body. 
  • Allergy – In rare cases, allergic reactions to silver may occur. 

Some people who take silver supplements may experience digestive symptoms as well. 

Although side effects are always a possibility with any dietary supplement, most people are able to take colloidal silver supplements without experiencing serious problems. In order to minimize the risk of side effects and maximize the benefit of taking colloidal silver, it is important to choose a high-quality supplement from a reputable manufacturer.

Uses and alleged benefits

Proponents of colloidal silver supplements suggest that it may have several potential uses. For example, colloidal silver supplements may be used as a natural remedy for:

  • Preventing certain viruses
  • Preventing fungal or bacterial infections
  • Treating fungal or bacterial infections
  • Reducing the risk of cancer
  • Improving the health of the skin
  • Cleansing the gut
  • Boosting immune function

However, at this time, it is important to note that the FDA has not approved colloidal silver for any of these purposes. As a result, manufacturers are not permitted to make any claims related to disease when labeling or advertising colloidal silver supplements. 

How does it work?

Scientific evidence indicates that colloidal silver possesses antimicrobial properties, which means that it can have a destructive effect on bacteria, viruses and other such pathogens. In fact, the ability of colloidal silver to destroy a microbe has been well documented. For this reason, some people believe it has the power to prevent or combat infections. Many people also believe that colloidal silver’s properties allow it to support immune function. 

The ability of colloidal silver to combat microbes is so powerful that some researchers are even exploring other possible usages for colloidal silver. In a recent study, for example, researchers were able to develop a bandage infused with colloidal silver that was intended to prevent wounds from getting infected. As more scientists conduct new studies, it is likely that even more possible uses for colloidal silver will be discovered. 

Choosing the Right Colloidal Silver Supplement

If you are planning to take a colloidal silver supplement for any purpose, choosing the right supplement is essential. Not all manufacturers use the same technology or ingredients when producing their colloidal silver supplements. In general, it is best to choose a coated colloidal silver supplement over an uncoated option. Coated colloidal silver supplements consist of small particles of silver that each have a protective coating. The protective coating on each particle ensures that the silver will be able to pass through the body easily, reducing the risk of clumps that could cause side effects. 

Keep in mind that colloidal silver is not approved as a medication and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. Whatever brand of supplement you choose, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. 

Coated Silver offers a superior colloidal silver supplement that includes coated silver nanoparticles in a high concentration. Our supplement is designed to allow consumers to take the smallest dosage possible while maximizing benefits. In fact, you can get the dosage you need in as little as one drop. 

  1. Brent A. Bauer, M. (2017, September 06). The truth about colloidal silver. Retrieved June 25, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/colloidal-silver/faq-20058061
  2. Colloidal Silver. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2020, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/colloidal-silver
  3. Dakal TC, Kumar A, Majumdar RS, Yadav V. Mechanistic Basis of Antimicrobial Actions of Silver Nanoparticles. Front Microbiol. 2016;7:1831. Published 2016 Nov 16. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2016.01831
  4. Galdiero S, Falanga A, Vitiello M, Cantisani M, Marra V, Galdiero M. Silver nanoparticles as potential antiviral agents. Molecules. 2011;16(10):8894-8918. Published 2011 Oct 24. doi:10.3390/molecules16108894
  5. Park S, Park HH, Kim SY, Kim SJ, Woo K, Ko G. Antiviral properties of silver nanoparticles on a magnetic hybrid colloid. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2014;80(8):2343-2350. doi:10.1128/AEM.03427-13
  6. Pascu, B., Negrea, A., Ciopec, M., Davidescu, C. M., Negrea, P., Gherman, V., & Duteanu, N. (2020). New Generation of Antibacterial Products Based on Colloidal Silver. Materials (Basel, Switzerland), 13(7), 1578. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13071578
  7. Pop, C. V. (n.d.). The Truth about Colloidal Silver and Gold.
  8. Savchenko, M. (n.d.). Colloidal Silver Benefits: Myth or Reality? Retrieved June 25, 2020, from https://flo.health/health-articles/lifestyle/nutrition/is-colloidal-silver-safe
  9. Watson, K. (1984, September 28). What Is Colloidal Silver? Retrieved June 25, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/colloidal-silver
+ posts

Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.