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Gold

Also known as: Gold, Colloidal Gold, Gold Nanoparticles, Aurum

Overview

Gold (Au) is a chemical element that is not typically considered a dietary supplement. While historically used in medical applications like treating rheumatoid arthritis (as gold salts), its role as a dietary supplement lacks substantial evidence. Gold is generally inert and not biologically active within the human body. It is sometimes found in alternative or traditional medicine products, often referred to as colloidal gold or gold nanoparticles. However, there is limited research on its efficacy and safety as a supplement, and the available evidence is generally of low quality due to the absence of systematic studies and meta-analyses specifically focused on gold as a dietary supplement. Therefore, any purported health benefits should be viewed with skepticism.

Benefits

There is currently no substantial evidence from high-quality sources, such as systematic reviews or meta-analyses, to support the use of gold as a dietary supplement for any health benefits. Claims suggesting health benefits are not substantiated by rigorous scientific research. The lack of evidence means that there are no specific conditions or populations for which gold supplementation is recommended.

How it works

Gold is biologically inert and does not interact significantly with biological pathways in the human body. There is no known mechanism of action that would suggest a beneficial effect as a dietary supplement. It is not absorbed or utilized by the body in a manner that would suggest any nutritional or health benefits. Consequently, there are no identified molecular targets or interactions with body systems that support its use as a supplement.

Side effects

Due to the lack of research on gold as a dietary supplement, its safety profile is not well-established. While gold is generally considered non-toxic, the absence of rigorous studies means potential side effects or interactions are not thoroughly understood. There is no evidence to suggest significant drug interactions, but this has not been thoroughly studied. Caution is advised, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with chronic conditions, due to the lack of evidence supporting its safety and efficacy.

Dosage

There are no established dosing guidelines for gold as a dietary supplement due to the lack of evidence supporting its use. Minimum effective dose, optimal dosage ranges, and maximum safe dose have not been determined. Timing considerations, form-specific recommendations, required cofactors, and absorption factors are not applicable, as gold is not absorbed by the body in a way that would provide nutritional or health benefits.

FAQs

Is there any practical reason to take gold as a supplement?

No, there is no practical reason to take gold as a supplement due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting its use for any health benefits.

Is gold safe to take as a supplement?

The safety profile of gold as a supplement is unclear due to the absence of rigorous studies. Caution is advised, especially for vulnerable populations.

What results can I expect from taking gold supplements?

No health benefits are supported by evidence. Claims suggesting health benefits are not substantiated by scientific research.

Is it true that gold has health benefits as a dietary supplement?

The misconception that gold has health benefits as a dietary supplement is not supported by scientific evidence.

Research Sources

https://www.archbronconeumol.org/en-is-systematic-review-meta-analysis-gold-articulo-S0300289621002222 – This article discusses systematic reviews and meta-analyses, emphasizing their importance in evidence-based medicine. It highlights the methodology and significance of these studies in synthesizing research findings to inform clinical practice and healthcare decisions. The review underscores the need for rigorous and transparent methods in conducting systematic reviews to ensure the reliability and validity of their conclusions.
https://jmla.pitt.edu/ojs/jmla/article/download/1223/1368 – This resource provides guidance on conducting systematic reviews, focusing on the methodological aspects and best practices. It covers key steps such as formulating research questions, searching for relevant literature, assessing study quality, and synthesizing evidence. The guide aims to enhance the rigor and transparency of systematic reviews, ensuring their credibility and usefulness for informing healthcare decisions.
https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/73/5/e1116/6026460?login=false – This article likely discusses infectious diseases, potentially covering aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. It may include information on emerging infectious threats and the importance of evidence-based approaches in managing these conditions. The content likely emphasizes the role of research and clinical trials in advancing our understanding and control of infectious diseases.
https://www.researchgate.net/post/How-important-is-consistency-of-your-search-strategies-in-conducting-systematic-reviews – This ResearchGate discussion emphasizes the importance of consistent search strategies in conducting systematic reviews. Consistency ensures that all relevant studies are identified, reducing the risk of bias and enhancing the reliability of the review's findings. The discussion highlights the need for well-defined search protocols and adherence to these protocols throughout the review process.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(22)00171-4/fulltext – This Lancet article likely covers topics related to global health, potentially focusing on health disparities, emerging health challenges, or innovative interventions. It may present research findings, policy recommendations, or perspectives on improving health outcomes worldwide. The article likely emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches and collaborative efforts in addressing complex global health issues.