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Potential Toxicological Risk Associated with the Oral Use of Colloidal Silver Dietary Supplements
Oana Catalina Bute1, Anca-Irina Gheboianu2, Bogdan Trica3
1Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Valahia University of Târgoviște, 13 Sinaia Alley, 130004 Târgoviște, Romania.
Toxics
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Colloidal silver supplements, especially high-concentration ones, may pose toxicological risks due to exceeding safe intake levels. Enhanced labeling and public awareness are crucial for the safe internal use of these products.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Colloidal silver dietary supplements are increasingly available.
- Concerns exist regarding the safety of oral colloidal silver consumption.
- Lack of manufacturer information on nanoparticle size and usage guidelines is common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a high-concentration colloidal silver solution (1000 mg/L).
- To compare commercial colloidal silver with a standard solution.
- To assess potential toxicological risks of commercially available colloidal silver products based on EPA reference dose.
Main Methods:
- Physicochemical characterization using UV-VIS, XRD, and TEM.
- Comparative analysis with a standard colloidal silver solution.
- Theoretical analysis of intake levels versus EPA oral reference dose (0.005 mg/kg/day).
Main Results:
- Characterization of a 1000 mg/L colloidal silver solution stabilized with pectin.
- Validation of nanoparticle size, stability, and spectral profiles against a standard.
- Estimated intake levels for some products may exceed safety thresholds.
Conclusions:
- High-concentration colloidal silver supplements may present a toxicological risk.
- Insufficient labeling and unclear usage guidelines exacerbate risks.
- Stricter regulations and increased public awareness are needed for internal colloidal silver use.
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