Colloidal silver has been used for centuries as a type of antibiotic that can be both ingested and used topically. However, with the advance of medical technology, more effective antibiotics were discovered and the use of Colloidal silver for health reasons pretty much came to an end.

In recent years, colloidal silver has started to make a comeback in the United States. These silver products were being marketed as an effective treatment for simple ailments like colds and flus. Some websites took it a step further, and started promoting colloidal silver products as a “cure” for more serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, psoriasis, even for relieving constipation.

With so many bogus claims floating around about the supposed benefits of colloidal silver, the FDA issued many warnings on the medical use of colliodal silver products, and started cracking down on websites touting these outlandish claims.

Seperating Silver Fact from Fiction

Silver protein is the second most commonly found type of silver product sold to the public. Silver protein is made up of a protein binder and metallic silver particles. You should watch out for product labeling that mentions protein or mild silver protein because these products are not true colloidal silver.

Most of the colloidal silver products that you are likely to find at your local market are actually made up of ionic silver solutions. Most of the silver that is found in these types of products is dissolved as opposed to being actual particles. It is important to note that ions are not the same thing as particles. The terminology used in advertising for ionic silver solutions can be very confusing for consumers, so it is important that you thoroughly research products and their manufacturers before you decide to try any colloidal silver product.

Argyria Concerns

Clinical studies have shown that it is primarily through the ingestion of large amounts of ionic silver (100 ppm and higher) that a permanent discoloration of the skin occurs. This skin discoloration is known as argyria. In cases of argyria, the skin turns a gray to blue color, and it is a condition that is not reversible.

The majority of silver products only contain 3-20 ppm of ionic silver, an amount that has not proven to be harmful to humans. However, you should be aware that it is possible for smaller amounts of silver to result in the development of argyria in some people. If you have concerns about this, you should take the time to discuss this with your physician so that the two of you can determine your safest course of action.

Check Out this CNN Report about a Man who Developed Argyria:

Making Smart Decisions

When choosing a colloidal silver product for consumption, it is very important that you conduct a fair amount of research so that you will know what to look for on product labels. One of the most important considerations is that of water purity. The type of water used in the manufacturing process of colloidal silver has a direct impact on the quality of the product that is produced. The reason for this is fairly obvious — the use of pure ingredients results in a pure product. If colloidal silver products are made through the use of unpurified water, undesirable contaminants are likely to be present in the final product.

It’s also very important to remember that your health situation is unique to you. So before you take any supplements, not just colloidal silver products, be sure you discuss it with your nutritionist or healthcare practitioner. You want to be sure that your physiology is factored in with the other research you’ve done.