Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver (nanosilver) is marketed as an antimicrobial 'cure-all' but has NO FDA-approved internal uses. The FDA issued a final rule in 1999 stating OTC colloidal silver products are NOT generally recognized as safe or effective. RISK: argyria, irreversible blue-gray skin discoloration from chronic use (silver deposits in skin). Does have antimicrobial activity (silver IS bactericidal) but oral supplementation is NOT the way to deliver it, topical silver (wound dressings) is evidence-based. Our assessment: don't ingest silver. --- *Reviewed by the Avelor Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board* *Last updated: 2026-04-06*