For centuries, gold has been a symbol of extravagance, not just in jewelry, but also as a food and drink additive. Modern consumers encounter gold flakes in high-end liqueurs and cocktails, while historical uses included medicinal treatments. The question of whether drinking gold is safe, however, has a complex answer that depends entirely on the type and purity of the gold involved.
The crucial difference: edible gold vs. medicinal and colloidal gold
Not all gold is created equal, especially regarding its safety for consumption. The most significant distinction lies between the pure, inert gold used for culinary decoration and the chemically active gold compounds historically or controversially used for therapeutic purposes.
Edible Gold (Leaf and Flakes)
Edible gold, typically found as gossamer-thin leaf or shimmering flakes, is made from pure gold, usually between 22 and 24 karats. This high purity is essential because it ensures the gold is biologically inert—it does not react with the human body's digestive system. When ingested, it passes through the body without being absorbed, providing no nutritional value or taste. While generally safe for decorative use in small amounts, it is vital to source it from reputable, food-grade suppliers to avoid contamination with other metals.
Medicinal Gold (Gold Salts)
Historically, gold compounds, known as gold salts, were used in a practice called chrysotherapy to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike inert edible gold, these are chemical complexes that are absorbed by the body and accumulate in tissues. This can lead to a variety of severe side effects, including:
- Skin rashes and itching
- Mouth ulcers
- Kidney damage (nephropathy)
- Liver function abnormalities
- Blood disorders
- A permanent blue-gray skin discoloration known as chrysiasis
Colloidal Gold (Suspensions)
Colloidal gold consists of microscopic gold particles suspended in a liquid and is often sold as a dietary supplement with unsubstantiated health claims. The safety of colloidal gold is highly debated and largely unregulated. Concerns include inconsistent product quality, variable particle size, and potential interactions with other medications. Side effects reported by some users include headaches and allergic reactions. Nanoparticles, especially smaller ones, can be toxic, particularly when interacting with other drugs.
Comparison table: different forms of gold ingestion
| Feature | Edible Gold (Flakes/Leaf) | Medicinal Gold (Salts) | Colloidal Gold (Suspensions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | High (22-24K), inert | Chemically reactive compounds | Variable, often marketed as nanoparticles |
| Absorption | None; passes through digestive system | Absorbed into body; accumulates in tissues | Some absorption; varies with particle size |
| Purpose | Decorative; luxury food additive | Historical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis | Unverified health supplement claims |
| Common Side Effects | Allergic reaction (rare) | Skin rashes, kidney/liver issues, blood disorders, chrysiasis | Allergic reactions, potential organ damage (especially small particles with other drugs) |
| Regulatory Status | E175 food additive in EU; minimally regulated elsewhere | Prescribed medication (historical use) | Unregulated dietary supplement |
Historical examples of gold's dangers
The dangers of consuming non-food-grade gold or large quantities are not just theoretical. In the 16th century, Diane de Poitiers, a French royal mistress, reportedly died from chronic intoxication caused by drinking gold solutions as an anti-aging remedy. Her case, identified by analyzing her remains, serves as a grim historical warning against consuming unregulated gold preparations. Furthermore, while the tiny amount of gold in a product like Goldschläger liqueur is harmless, historical instances of larger, non-culinary consumption highlight the difference between a harmless novelty and a dangerous health trend.
How to safely navigate gold consumption
If you are interested in using gold in drinks, follow these guidelines to minimize risk:
- Stick to food-grade edible gold: Ensure any product you consume is explicitly labeled as edible, and ideally, backed by food safety certifications like the EU's E175 standard.
- Avoid unverified supplements: Stay away from colloidal gold or other liquid gold supplements with health claims that are not supported by robust, scientific evidence.
- Check for purity: Always confirm the gold is high-carat (22-24k). Lower carat gold may be an alloy containing toxic metals like copper.
- Moderate your intake: Edible gold offers no health benefits, so its consumption should be a rare indulgence rather than a regular habit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the simple question of whether drinking gold has side effects is misleading. For pure, food-grade edible gold used decoratively, the side effects are virtually non-existent, and it passes harmlessly through the body. However, for medicinal gold compounds or unregulated colloidal gold, the potential for serious health complications, including toxicity, allergic reactions, and organ damage, is significant. The key to safety lies in understanding the type of gold being consumed and purchasing only pure, certified edible gold from a reputable source.
Learn more about the specific side effects of gold compounds from authoritative medical sources like DermNet.
