Hazards of Colloidal Silver

Ingesting colloidal silver has many known hazards.Yuji Sakai/Photodisc/Getty Images

Colloidal silver is a form of silver that is used by some people as a health supplement. The substance consists of small particles of silver held in a liquid suspension medium. Users may choose to ingest the substance orally, apply it externally or inject it underneath their skin. The substance is widely available over the counter without a prescription in many pharmacies and natural food stores. Officials at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration do not recommend use of colloidal silver. Those who choose to take colloidal silver may experience unpleasant side effects.

Argyria

Derived from the Greek word for silver, argyria is a medical condition that causes the skin to assume a blue or bluish-gray cast. Argyria can result from long-term usage of colloidal silver. The condition can cause all areas of the skin to look blue or gray to the eye, including the whites of the eyes. Argyria causes no medical complications but has no effective treatment. People with argyria may feel embarrassed and thus reluctant to be seen by other people.

Colloidal silver can cause kidney damage. The silver builds up in the kidneys, leading to organs that don't function well. Kidney damage may be treated with antibiotics, surgery, dialysis and kidney transplantation.

People who choose to consume or inject colloidal silver may suffer neurological problems such as seizures. Treatments for seizures include medication and surgery.

Taking colloidal silver may reduce your body's ability to benefit from necessary medications. As a result, they may not have the effects intended. Drugs that may be affected include certain antibiotics, thyroid medications and medications known as chelators that are intended to remove dangerous chemicals from the body.