Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Colloidal gold

Also known as: Colloidal gold, AuNPs, Gold nanoparticles

Overview

Colloidal gold refers to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) suspended in a liquid medium, typically water. While gold is a naturally occurring element, colloidal gold for supplement use is synthetically produced. These nanoparticles usually range from 1 to 100 nanometers in size, and their surface charge and size significantly influence their biological interactions. Colloidal gold is marketed as a mineral supplement, often for its purported anti-inflammatory effects, metabolic support, and sometimes for cognitive enhancement or exercise recovery. However, the research supporting these claims is in its early stages, primarily consisting of preclinical studies and small-scale human trials. There is a notable lack of large-scale systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on colloidal gold supplementation in humans, indicating limited high-quality clinical evidence.

Benefits

Preclinical studies, particularly in animal models, suggest potential benefits of colloidal gold. For instance, an animal study on obese mice fed a high-fat diet indicated that gold nanoparticles might reduce weight gain, decrease inflammation, and improve glucose tolerance and lipid profiles. This suggests a potential role in metabolic syndrome or obesity. However, human data are extremely scarce, and no high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with adequate sample sizes and statistical significance have been identified to confirm these benefits in humans. While in vitro studies have shown interaction with blood components, indicating potential effects on coagulation and platelet aggregation, the clinical relevance of these findings for human health benefits is currently unclear. Therefore, while preclinical evidence points to some promising areas, the benefits of colloidal gold in humans are not yet established.

How it works

The proposed mechanisms of action for colloidal gold primarily involve its anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects. It is thought to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation. Additionally, it may interact with metabolic pathways to improve glucose and lipid metabolism. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, immune modulation and metabolic regulation are believed to be key. In terms of interaction with body systems, in vitro studies show that gold nanoparticles bind to plasma proteins and may affect coagulation pathways. The absorption and bioavailability of nanoparticles through the gastrointestinal tract depend heavily on their size, charge, and surface coating, and detailed pharmacokinetics in humans are not well characterized.

Side effects

The safety profile of colloidal gold in humans is not well established due to limited human safety data. While animal studies have not shown acute toxicity at the doses tested, common, uncommon, or rare side effects in humans are not well documented. There are no documented drug interactions, but theoretical concerns exist due to observed effects on coagulation in in vitro studies. Therefore, caution is advised, particularly for individuals with pre-existing coagulation disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications. Contraindications for colloidal gold supplementation are not established, and its safety in special populations remains unknown. Overall, more comprehensive human research is needed to fully assess the safety and potential adverse effects of colloidal gold.

Dosage

Currently, there are no established minimum effective doses, optimal dosage ranges, or maximum safe doses for colloidal gold in humans. Animal studies have utilized various doses, but these cannot be directly translated to human dosing guidelines. Timing considerations for supplementation are also not established. Colloidal gold is typically available as oral liquid suspensions or capsules containing gold nanoparticles. It is important to note that nanoparticle size and surface chemistry significantly influence absorption, which further complicates dosage recommendations. No specific cofactors are identified as being required for its efficacy or absorption. Due to the lack of human data, any self-dosing should be approached with extreme caution.

FAQs

Is colloidal gold safe to consume?

The safety of colloidal gold in humans is not well established due to limited research. While animal studies show no acute toxicity, human data on side effects and long-term safety are lacking. More research is needed to confirm its safety.

Does colloidal gold improve metabolism or inflammation?

Preclinical animal studies suggest potential benefits in reducing inflammation and improving metabolic markers like glucose tolerance and lipid profiles. However, there is no conclusive, high-quality human evidence to support these claims.

How long does it take to see effects from colloidal gold?

The time course for any potential benefits of colloidal gold in humans is unknown. Animal studies used various dosing durations, but this information does not translate to human expectations.

Are there risks of blood clotting issues with colloidal gold?

In vitro studies indicate that gold nanoparticles can interact with blood components and may influence coagulation. While no clinical data confirm this risk in humans, a theoretical concern exists, especially for individuals with clotting disorders or on anticoagulants.

Is colloidal gold better than other supplements for health benefits?

There are no comparative clinical data available to suggest that colloidal gold is superior or even comparable to other established supplements for any health benefits. Its efficacy in humans remains largely unproven.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3683956/ – This in vitro study investigated the interaction of gold nanoparticles with human plasma. It found that gold nanoparticles bind to plasma proteins and can influence coagulation and platelet aggregation. The study highlights potential interactions with blood components but lacks clinical outcomes and has limited clinical relevance due to its in vitro nature.
https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/rest/bitstreams/16e4ecef-2156-4625-a0f5-158670c2afbf/retrieve – This preclinical randomized controlled trial in mice with diet-induced obesity explored the metabolic effects of gold nanoparticles. The study found that treatment with colloidal gold nanoparticles reduced weight gain, decreased inflammation, and improved glucose tolerance and lipid profiles in the mice. While providing promising results, its findings are from an animal model and their translation to humans is unknown.