Colloidal silver is a liquid that contains minute silver particles that are suspended by an electric charge. The silver particles remain suspended because the electric charge has more force than gravity on each particle. The liquid is tasteless, odorless, and nontoxic. Some people use colloidal silver to treat various types of infections, such as acute bacterial prostatitis, bronchitis, and the common cold, because of its reported ability to support the immune system and to kill some disease-causing organisms by binding to and destroying proteins.
The Food and Drug Administration, however, has stated that colloidal silver is not safe or effective, and the agency does not allow colloidal silver to be sold for treatment of prostatitis or other conditions. In addition Brent A. Bauer, MD, at the Mayo Clinic notes there are no scientific studies to support the health claims made by makers of colloidal silver products.
Other silver compounds, however, are used as antiseptics to treat skin infections and as silver nitrate, which can be diluted to use in eye drops to prevent conjunctivitis in newborn infants. The FDA has also approved several silver-impregnated wound dressings.
Colloidal Silver and Prostatitis
Reports of the use of colloidal silver for managing bacterial prostatitis are anecdotal. Much of the information about colloidal silver comes from Dr. Alex Duarte, who wrote an article entitled “Colloidal Silver: A Special Report by Alex Duarte, OD, PhD.” Duarte states that colloidal silver “co-mingles with the blood” and enters cells, where it kills disease-causing organisms within six minutes after contact. He provides a long list of conditions for which he says colloidal silver is effective, including prostatitis, an enlarged prostate, and dozens of other ailments.
Claims that colloidal silver is beneficial for treatment of prostatitis come largely from manufacturers of colloidal silver products and are not supported by scientific studies. Testimonials from men who reportedly have used colloidal silver and found it to be helpful in the treatment of prostatitis can be seen on various manufacturers’ websites.
How to Use Colloidal Silver
If you decide to use colloidal silver for prostatitis, consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider before using the product. A typical dose is from one teaspoon to one tablespoon daily to maintain health, but a different dose may be recommended for prostatitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, possible side effects may include kidney damage, seizures, and other neurological problems. There is a debate over whether the silver in the suspension can accumulate in the body and result in an irreversible bluish discoloration (argyria) of the skin, gums, nails, and internal organs.
