The question, "What happens if you take too much gold?" has a surprisingly complex answer that depends entirely on the form of gold ingested. Pure, elemental gold is not the same as the gold compounds once used in medicine or the nanoparticles now found in some emerging technologies. Understanding the difference is crucial for separating harmless indulgence from genuine health risk.
The Difference in Gold Forms: Edible vs. Medicinal
The most critical factor in determining gold's effect on the body is its chemical state. Gold is a "noble metal," meaning it is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. This inert nature is what makes pure gold, like 24-karat edible leaf (E175 food additive), non-toxic to consume in small quantities. It passes through the digestive system unabsorbed, much like other inert materials.
However, this inertness does not apply to all gold-containing substances. Pharmaceutical gold, for instance, comes in the form of gold salts (like Auranofin or gold sodium thiomalate), which are chemically reactive compounds designed to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. These compounds are not elemental gold and are actively absorbed by the body, leading to potential toxicity.
What Happens with Excessive Edible Gold?
If you were to take too much pure edible gold, such as flakes or leaf, the primary consequence would be financial, not medical. Because the human body cannot break down or absorb elemental gold, the excess material would simply pass through the digestive tract. In extremely large, and practically impossible, quantities, a mechanical blockage or other gastrointestinal distress might occur, but typical decorative amounts are harmless.
Toxicity from Medical Gold Salts (Chrysotherapy)
In the past, patients undergoing "chrysotherapy" for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis received injections or oral doses of gold salts. Overdosing on or having a severe reaction to these compounds can lead to serious health problems due to the absorbed gold ions. Symptoms of gold toxicity from this medical context, known as chrysiasis, include:
- Dermatological issues: Skin rashes, severe itching (pruritus), and a blue-grey discoloration of the skin, especially in sun-exposed areas.
- Mucocutaneous problems: Ulcers and sores on the mouth, tongue, and throat, often preceded by a metallic taste.
- Renal damage: Proteinuria (protein in the urine) is a common side effect, and in severe cases, it can lead to kidney failure.
- Hematological effects: Bone marrow suppression, which can result in low red blood cell counts (anemia), low white blood cell counts (leukopenia), and low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), leading to increased infection risk and bleeding.
- Gastrointestinal distress: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even ulcerative enterocolitis have been reported with gold salt therapy.
- Neurological symptoms: Rare but serious neurological complications like peripheral neuropathy and encephalopathy can occur.
Risks of Gold Nanoparticles and Colloidal Gold
Modern medicine and technology have introduced new forms of gold, including gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and colloidal gold. Unlike edible gold, these forms are not inert. Nanoparticles, being tiny, have a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, making them more reactive and able to enter cells and organs.
Research on AuNPs is ongoing, but studies have shown potential risks:
- Accumulation in organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys over time, which could lead to long-term inflammation and fibrosis.
- Interactions with drugs. Some studies show that nanoparticles, especially smaller ones (e.g., 10 nm), can exacerbate the nephrotoxic (kidney-damaging) effects of certain drugs, like cisplatin.
- Size-dependent toxicity, where smaller nanoparticles often pose a greater risk due to increased tissue and cellular penetration.
Colloidal gold, often marketed as a health supplement, consists of gold nanoparticles suspended in a fluid. Because the inertness of bulk gold does not apply at the nanoscale, consuming colloidal gold can be risky. There is no scientific evidence to support the often-claimed health benefits, and side effects like skin discoloration (chrysiasis) have been reported with long-term use.
Comparison of Gold Forms and Their Health Impact
| Feature | Elemental Gold (Edible Leaf) | Gold Salts (Chrysotherapy) | Gold Nanoparticles (Colloidal Gold) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical State | Metallic, inert | Reactive ionic compounds | Nanoscale particles, can be reactive |
| Absorption by Body | Not absorbed | Actively absorbed and distributed | Can be absorbed by cells and accumulate in organs |
| Primary Use | Food decoration (E175) | Formerly for rheumatoid arthritis | Research, diagnostics, some supplements |
| Toxicity Risk | Very low (mechanical blockage possible at extreme doses) | High, especially with cumulative doses | Variable, depends on size, coating, and dose |
| Primary Effect | Passes through digestive system | Immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory | Complex interactions with cells and organs |
Conclusion: Understand the Gold You Are Taking
In conclusion, what happens if you take too much gold depends entirely on the type of gold. While pure, edible gold is essentially harmless and non-digestible, its reactive forms, like gold salts and nanoparticles, can pose significant health risks if consumed excessively. The toxic side effects of pharmaceutical gold, which caused a decline in its use, are well-documented and can affect multiple organ systems. When considering any form of gold, it is crucial to understand its chemical nature and potential for biological interaction.
For more detailed medical information on the side effects of pharmaceutical gold, you can consult reputable sources like the National Institutes of Health. [^1]
[^1]: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548786/]
Do not include this text: For more detailed medical information on the side effects of pharmaceutical gold, you can consult reputable sources like the National Institutes of Health. [^1]
[^1]: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548786/]
