Eating a diet rich in minerals is important, but not all minerals should be in your diet.

Colloidal silver is a mineral marketed as a dietary supplement.

Nanoparticles of silver have been used as disinfectants since the late 1800s, and this is sometimes depicted as silver with beneficial health effects when consumed.

Chemist Click pharmacist Abbas Kanani briefly describes the history of the medical uses of silver.

He said: “Silver nanoparticles were used many years ago to treat infections, before the discovery of antibiotics.

“Silver nanoparticles are believed to have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

“Although the mechanism of action is unknown, it is believed that they interfere with the structure of bacteria, viruses and fungi, preventing their effects from multiplying and spreading.”

Kanani cautions against consuming silver supplements, warning that the effects may be permanent.

“Although we are exposed to small amounts of silver, the health implications of its ingestion are not fully understood and are considered a health risk.

“Argyria is an acquired disease caused by the ingestion of silver. Your skin, eyes, internal organs, nails, and other parts of your body may turn gray.

“The change in skin tone is most likely to be permanent. “

There are legitimate applications for silver in medicine and none of them are edible or injectable.

The antimicrobial effects of silver can be useful in cleaning wounds and are sometimes incorporated into the dressing.

The British National Formulary, a reference document used by the NHS, states: “Silver-impregnated dressings should not be used routinely for the management of uncomplicated ulcers.

“It is recommended that these dressings not be used on acute wounds, as there is evidence to suggest that they delay wound healing.”