Understanding the Different Forms of Gold Supplements
Not all gold is created equal when it comes to human consumption and potential side effects. The term “gold supplements” can refer to several different substances, each with distinct properties and risks. It is crucial to distinguish between these forms, as their uses and safety profiles vary dramatically.
Medical-Grade Gold Salts
For decades, gold salts, such as auranofin (oral) and gold sodium thiomalate (injectable), were used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory conditions. These are pharmaceuticals regulated and studied for their specific applications. The side effects documented from their use form the basis of most medical knowledge on gold toxicity. However, the use of gold salts for RA has declined significantly in favor of newer, more modern treatments due to the high risk of serious adverse effects.
Colloidal Gold and Nanoparticles
Colloidal gold consists of microscopic gold particles suspended in a liquid. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are an even smaller version of these particles. These products are often sold as dietary supplements and marketed with unproven health claims. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize colloidal gold as a valid dietary supplement, and the evidence supporting its benefits is primarily anecdotal. The long-term effects of consuming gold nanoparticles are largely unknown, and studies have produced conflicting results depending on particle size, shape, and coating.
Documented Side Effects of Medicinal Gold
The most comprehensive data on the side effects of gold comes from its use in rheumatoid arthritis treatment. These adverse reactions can be categorized based on the body systems affected.
Dermatological and Mucocutaneous Issues
- Skin rashes and pruritus (itching): These are some of the most common side effects of gold therapy, affecting a significant portion of patients. The rash can range from a mild, localized condition to a severe, body-wide dermatitis.
- Stomatitis: Mouth sores, ulcers, and a metallic taste are frequently reported by patients taking oral gold medications like auranofin.
- Chrysiasis: Prolonged exposure to gold can lead to a bluish-grey or purple pigmentation of the skin, which is often irreversible.
Gastrointestinal Problems
- Diarrhea: Frequent loose stools are a common side effect of oral gold preparations. This is often dose-related and may resolve if the dosage is reduced.
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain: Stomach cramps, bloating, and loss of appetite can also occur.
- Inflammatory Bowel Issues: Rare but serious cases of enterocolitis, an inflammation of the intestines, have been reported.
Hematological Complications
- Bone Marrow Suppression: Gold can suppress bone marrow function, which may lead to blood disorders. This is a serious, though less common, side effect.
- Thrombocytopenia: A decrease in the number of platelets, which can cause easy bruising or bleeding.
- Anemia and Leukopenia: A reduction in red and white blood cell counts, respectively.
Renal and Hepatic Effects
- Kidney Damage: Proteinuria (protein in the urine) and hematuria (blood in the urine) are signs of kidney problems that can result from gold therapy. In rare cases, more severe conditions like nephrotic syndrome can develop.
- Liver Abnormalities: Gold has been linked to elevated liver enzymes and, in very rare instances, liver inflammation (hepatitis).
Neurological and Other Rare Side Effects
- Neurotoxicity: Rare neurological complications, including peripheral neuropathy and encephalopathy, have been reported with medicinal gold.
- Allergic Reactions: Severe, though rare, allergic reactions are possible, especially with injectable gold.
- Lung Complications: In very rare cases, gold therapy has been linked to lung damage, such as interstitial pneumonitis.
Comparison: Medical-Grade Gold vs. Unregulated Gold Supplements
| Feature | Medical-Grade Gold Salts (e.g., Auranofin) | Unregulated Gold Supplements (e.g., Colloidal Gold) |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | FDA-approved for specific medical use; dosage and side effects are well-studied. | Not approved or regulated by the FDA as a supplement; claims are unsubstantiated. |
| Purity and Consistency | Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical standards, ensuring consistent dosage and purity. | Can vary widely in quality, concentration, and particle size between brands, leading to unpredictable effects. |
| Evidence of Efficacy | Documented anti-inflammatory effects for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, though use has declined. | Lack of credible, peer-reviewed human research supporting health claims. |
| Toxicity Profile | Known risk of significant, sometimes fatal, side effects requiring close medical monitoring. | Potential risks are not well-established, but concerns exist regarding long-term accumulation, heavy metal contaminants, and unknown effects of nanoparticles. |
| Medical Supervision | Use requires ongoing medical supervision, including regular blood and urine tests to monitor for toxicity. | Often taken without medical supervision, leading to a failure to recognize and manage adverse effects. |
Conclusion: Caution is Warranted
Gold supplements, particularly unregulated forms like colloidal gold, should be approached with extreme caution. While medicinal gold preparations for rheumatoid arthritis have a long history of use and their side effects are well-documented, the same cannot be said for the over-the-counter supplements available today. The documented side effects of medical-grade gold—from common gastrointestinal issues to serious organ damage—highlight the potential for toxicity. Given the lack of robust scientific evidence supporting the health claims of unregulated gold supplements, the potential risks appear to far outweigh any unproven benefits. Consumers should always consult with a healthcare professional before considering any gold supplement, especially if pregnant, nursing, or undergoing treatment for other medical conditions.
The Risks of Unregulated Colloidal and Nanoparticle Gold
While medical gold salts have a defined toxicity profile, the risks associated with unregulated colloidal gold and gold nanoparticles sold as supplements are less understood and potentially more insidious. These products lack the standardized testing and oversight of pharmaceuticals, which raises numerous safety flags.
- Inconsistent Product Quality: Unlike drugs manufactured under strict controls, colloidal gold supplements can vary significantly in particle size, concentration, and purity. This inconsistency means the effects can be unpredictable and may change from one bottle to the next.
- Unknown Long-Term Accumulation: While bulk gold is inert, gold nanoparticles, due to their large surface-area-to-volume ratio, have greater reactivity. Studies suggest that very small nanoparticles (<2 nm) may accumulate in organs like the liver and spleen over time, though long-term human studies are lacking. The potential health consequences of this long-term bioaccumulation are not yet fully understood.
- Contamination from Heavy Metals: Some colloidal gold products, depending on their source, have been found to contain other heavy metals like aluminum or lead, which are toxic when ingested. This is a serious risk for products without rigorous quality control.
- Misguided Self-Medication: The purported benefits of these supplements are often based on anecdotal evidence or flawed studies, leading consumers to delay or forego effective, evidence-based treatments for serious health conditions. This can have dangerous consequences.
- Lack of Bioavailability Evidence: It is not definitively proven that ingested gold nanoparticles or colloids are effectively absorbed into the bloodstream or reach target tissues in meaningful amounts. The efficacy claims may therefore be based on faulty premises.
- Interactions with Medications: As with medical gold, unregulated supplements could potentially interact with other medications, particularly those affecting the kidneys, liver, or blood. Such interactions are unstudied and therefore unpredictable.
Important Considerations for Consumers
- Prioritize Evidence-Based Medicine: For any health concern, relying on products with a proven safety and efficacy profile, under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider, is the safest and most effective approach.
- Scrutinize Unregulated Supplements: Be skeptical of products making bold, unsubstantiated health claims, especially those that lack FDA approval.
- Consult a Professional: Never begin a supplement regimen without first consulting a doctor, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications. This is critical for avoiding adverse interactions and monitoring for any potential side effects.
- Be Aware of Symptoms: If you do choose to take a gold supplement and experience any adverse symptoms—such as skin rashes, digestive issues, or unusual fatigue—discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice.
- The Problem of Monatomic Gold: A related and even more controversial area is 'monatomic gold.' Experts widely regard these products, marketed under names like ORMUS or white powder gold, as unverified scams based on chemically impossible concepts. Consumers should avoid these products entirely.
Ultimately, while the inert nature of bulk gold is well-known, the properties and risks of gold in nano-sized particles and ionic forms are far more complex and require serious consideration before ingestion. Until more rigorous and extensive clinical data is available, the risks of unregulated gold supplements remain significant and largely unknown, making them a gamble with one's health.
DermNet provides detailed information on the mucocutaneous and other side effects associated with medicinal gold treatment.
