Q. My daughter and her husband make their own formulation of colloidal silver. They think this mixture protects them against the flu and other infections because it provides a natural boost to the immune system.
My main concern is that they give it to their children, a little boy aged two and a girl aged seven. Any advice you can offer would be appreciated. Sign me a concerned grandmother!
A. Colloidal silver is frequently promoted as a natural infection fighter, capable of killing hundreds of bacteria and viruses. Websites advertise it to treat AIDS, cancer, herpes, shingles, flu, pneumonia and dozens of other conditions.
The FDA has not approved colloidal silver and does not recognize such products as safe or effective. Long-term use, especially by children, could lead to argyria. This turns people’s skin bluish-gray. This permanent discoloration can be disfiguring. We urge your daughter to reconsider this approach.
