What is colloidal silver?
February 14, 2025
Colloidal silver is a dietary supplement that is sometimes taken as an alternative medication with intentions of improving immunity, treating diabetes, AIDS, cancer, and infections. It consists of small particles of sliver mixed into a liquid, often water, and is administered orally via a medicine dropper. It is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
When taken in very large quantities, the most noticeable effect is a condition called argyria which describes the accumulation of silver in the cutaneous tissue that causes a blue-gray discoloration of the skin. This discoloration is often permanent. In large enough quantities, silver may also deposit in the kidney, liver, and brain which can lead to organ dysfunction.(1) Due to these risks, the FDA made a statement in 1999 stating that “ over the counter (OTC) drug products containing colloidal silver ingredients or silver salts for internal or external use are not generally recognized as safe and effective and are misbranded. FDA is issuing this final rule because many OTC drug products containing colloidal silver ingredients or silver salts are being marketed for numerous serious disease conditions….”(2) Silver is part of topical silver sulfadiazine, but there is no data to support any health benefits from oral silver. This is an important alternative medicine to be aware of so that patients can receive proper guidance.
Question prepared by: Rachel Quinn, MD, Second Year Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
Thank you for the excellent Question of the Week! Unlike copper and zinc, there is no known biological role for silver. While its antibacterial properties are used for medical equipment, wound dressings, and topical creams, it is important to remember that it can be dangerous when used orally as noted above.
Rebecca Bruccoleri, MD, Medical Director, Tennessee Poison Center
I am interested in any questions you would like answered in the Question of the Week. Please email me with any suggestions at rebecca.e.bruccoleri@vumc.org.
Sources:
1. Griffith RD, Simmons BJ, Yazdani Abyaneh M, Bray FN, Falto-Aizpurua LA, Nouri K. Colloidal Silver: Dangerous and Readily Available. JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151(6):667–668. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.120
2. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Public Health Service (PHS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Over-the-counter drug products containing colloidal silver ingredients or silver salts: final rule. Fed Regist. 1999;64(158):44653-44658.