What Is Colloidal Silver?

Colloidal silver refers to a liquid that contains small silver particles suspended in it. While it is often marketed online as a supplement, there is no substantial scientific support for the health claims made about its use.

Is Colloidal Silver Safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that colloidal silver is neither safe nor proven effective in treating any medical condition. In fact, both the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission have taken enforcement actions against companies misrepresenting the benefits of colloidal silver.

One of the most known risks of colloidal silver use is argyria, a condition that results in the skin turning bluish-gray due to silver buildup in the body's tissues. This discoloration is often permanent.

Colloidal silver may also interfere with how the body absorbs certain medications, including antibiotics and thyroid hormone therapies. There are concerns that prolonged use could impact the kidneys, liver, or nervous system as well.

Does Colloidal Silver Work?

There is no known purpose or benefit of silver when consumed orally. It is not considered necessary for human health and does not serve a known biological role.

What Has Colloidal Silver Been Used For?

Before the discovery of antibiotics, colloidal silver was occasionally used to manage infections and heal wounds.

No studies have shown that colloidal silver can prevent or treat COVID-19. Similarly, there's no verified evidence that any natural or supplemental product can stop or cure the illness.

A handful of studies have looked into its use as a nasal spray for chronic sinus conditions, but none showed meaningful results.

Other Considerations

Relying on colloidal silver or similar unproven therapies should never take the place of seeking proper medical advice or treatment from a healthcare provider.

Colloidal silver occasionally appears under the category of homeopathic treatments. Always be mindful of what you’re using and consult a health professional before starting such therapies.

Always aim for informed, shared decisions with your healthcare provider regarding complementary approaches to wellness.

More Resources

NCCIH Information Center

The NCCIH Information Center offers reliable details about complementary approaches to health. While it does not give medical advice or recommendations, it provides access to research resources and educational content.

Phone (U.S.): 1-888-644-6226
TRS: 7-1-1
Email: [email protected]

Know the Science

NCCIH, along with the NIH, offers educational materials that help consumers better understand how scientific studies work. These tools include quizzes, videos, and interactive lessons meant to support evidence-based health decisions.

PubMed®

PubMed® is a resource from the National Library of Medicine that provides summaries and data from scientific and medical journals. It can be used to look up studies related to health and complementary medicine.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The FDA is responsible for regulating the safety of a wide range of products, including supplements, foods, and medical devices. They also monitor product claims and enforce rules where necessary.

Phone (U.S.): 1-888-463-6332

Safety Reporting Portal

This tool allows individuals and health professionals to report serious issues linked to dietary supplements or health products to the FDA and NIH.

Submit reports at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The FTC ensures that businesses do not engage in deceptive marketing, including misleading advertisements related to dietary and health products.

Phone (U.S.): 1-877-382-4357

Core References

• Chung I-S et al. Three cases of argyria following colloidal silver use. International Journal of Dermatology. 2010; 49(10):1175-1177.

• Kumar A, Goia DV. Examining commercial colloidal silver solutions. International Journal of Nanomedicine. 2020;15:10425-10434.

• Mayr M et al. Argyria and kidney function deterioration. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2009;53(5):890-894.

• U.S. FDA. Warning issued to companies over false COVID-19 treatment claims, March 2020.

• U.S. FDA. Final regulations on colloidal silver in drug products. Federal Register. 1999;64(158):44653-44658.

Additional References

• Baker CD et al. Skin discoloration after silver use in cystic fibrosis. Current Opinion in Pediatrics. 2007;19(6):733–735.

• Brandt D et al. Homemade silver ingestion leading to argyria. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2005;53(2 suppl 1):S105–107.

• Chary MA et al. COVID-19 therapies and their risks. Journal of Medical Toxicology. 2023;19(1):26–36.

• Fung MC, Bowen DL. Evaluating the use of silver in medicine. Journal of Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology. 1996;34(1):119–126.

• Han TY et al. Treating argyria using laser therapy. International Journal of Dermatology. 2011;50(6):751–753.

• Lansdown ABG. Use of silver in medical settings and safety context. Current Problems in Dermatology. 2006;33:17–34.

• Rhee D-Y et al. Laser-based management of argyria. Dermatologic Surgery. 2008;34(10):1427–1430.

• Ooi ML et al. Topical silver for difficult sinus infections. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2018;9:720.

• Scott JR et al. Testing colloidal silver for chronic sinus issues. Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. 2017;46(1):64.

• U.S. FDA advisory on the permanent effects of silver use. October 6, 2009.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Dr. D. Craig Hopp and Dr. David Shurtleff of NCCIH for reviewing the updated content of this information sheet.

This publication is available in the public domain and may be reused freely. It is offered as a resource and not as a replacement for the medical advice of health care providers. Any product or service mentioned here is not endorsed by NCCIH.