Silver is considered to be one of the most universal antibiotic substances known, effective against over 650 different disease organisms. To primitive life forms, silver is as toxic as the most powerful disinfectant even in minute quantities, yet it is non-toxic to humans in micro-concentrations of 3-5 ppm.^(1,2) In laboratory tests colloidal silver killed destructive bacteria, virus and fungus organisms within minutes of contact.⁽¹⁾

Colloidal Silver is a special liquid preparation of this trace mineral that is extremely safe to use, even for children, without the negative side effects associated with prescription antibiotics. Properly prepared in concentrations of 3-5 ppm, medical tests indicate no adverse effects.

With the false belief that more is better, many manufacturers have produced more potent colloidal silver solutions...some as high as 50 ppm. High concentrations over time will cause argyria, a permanent graying of the skin due to silver deposits. For safe, effective use, without such negative side effects as argyria, a properly prepared colloidal solution containing 3 to 5 ppm is required.⁽¹⁾

Prior to 1938 colloidal silver was considered to be one of the mainstays of antibiotic treatment, even though methods used in the early 1900’s could not produce the ultra-microscopic silver particles needed for optimum effectiveness.⁽¹⁾

With the onset of the more profitable pharmaceutical movement, colloid research was set aside in favor of fast-working, less costly, more toxic and potentially dangerous drugs.^(1,3)

Antibiotic-resistant germs are now considered epidemic in the United States, accounting for a growing number of serious infectious disorders. While most antibiotics disinfect about a half dozen or so germs, silver disinfects over 650. Most important, unlike conventional antibiotics, germs cannot build a resistance to the action of silver.^(1,2,3)

Many forms of bacteria, viruses and fungi utilize a specific enzyme for their metabolism. Silver acts as a catalyst, effectively disabling the enzyme. It is toxic to all species tested of fungi, bacteria, protozoa, parasites and many viruses including Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria gonorrhea, Gardnerella vaginalis, Salmonella typhi and other enteric pathogens. It is fungicidal for Candida albicans, Candida globata and M. furfur.^(1,3,4) Colloidal silver is not effective against spore- forming bacteria.

The comeback of silver in medicine began in the 1970’s. The late Dr. Carl Moyer, chairman of Washington University’s Department of Surgery, received a grant to develop better treatment for burn victims. Dr. Harry Margraf, chief biochemist, worked with Dr. Moyer and other surgeons to find an antiseptic strong enough, yet safe to use over large areas of the body. Dr. Margraf reviewed 22 antiseptic compounds and found drawbacks in all of them. "Mercury, for example, is an excellent antiseptic but toxic," he commented. "Popular antiseptics...can be used over small areas only." Furthermore, disease organisms can become resistant triggering a dangerous super-infection. Most popular antiseptics are also ineffective against a number of harmful bacteria including Pseudomonas acruginose, the biggest killer in burn cases.⁽¹⁾

In reviewing medical literature, Dr. Margraf found repeated references to silver. It was described as a catalyst that disables the enzymes microorganisms depend upon to breathe. He used a dilute (.5%) silver nitrate solution that killed the bacteria and allowed the wounds to heal. Resistant strains did not develop.⁽¹⁾

Silver nitrate, however, is not ideal. It disturbs the balance of body salts, needing to be halted from time to time. It also stains everything it touches. Medical reports from the early 1900’s demonstrated that a properly prepared colloid of silver (containing 3-5 ppm) was the only form of silver solution that is not deposited under the skin.⁽¹⁾

Colloidal silver is tasteless, odorless and non-stinging to sensitive tissues. It may be taken orally or applied topically to cuts, scrapes, open sores, warts, acne, eczema and other skin irritations. It may be gargled, dropped into the eyes or ears, used vaginally or anally, atomized or inhaled into the nose or lungs. Optimum benefits result from consistent daily use.⁽¹⁾

Medical tests indicate no known adverse effects from the use of properly prepared colloidal silver, and there has never been a recorded case of drug interaction with any other medication.⁽¹⁾

Some lab tests have shown that "true" colloidal silver in the range of 3-5 ppm has little effect on "friendly" bacteria. When taken orally, sublingual absorption directly into the bloodstream should occur before the silver particles reach the small or large intestine where intestinal bacteria normally dominate. However, in the case of a known intestinal infection, enemas or colonics of colloidal silver can be used to directly expose the infection to the sterilizing benefit of colloidal silver. Daily consumption of colloidal silver could significantly reduce the incidence of infection.(1) A high potency acidophillus supplement such as Pro Dophilus or Multidophilus will insure that desirable levels of beneficial bacteria are maintained during colloidal silver therapy.

Unlike some pharmaceutical preparations, and more concentrated products, Progressive Labs Colloidal Silver will not stain the skin. It is also superior to silver nitrate solutions that irritate delicate tissues and disturb the balance of body salts.⁽¹⁾

Silver occurs naturally in the soil as a trace mineral. It is one of many essential elements required by plants, animals and man. Once it could be naturally obtained from organic soils via fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and legumes. With most of our crops now being grown on highly depleted, chemically fertilized soils, many important minerals are no longer readily available except through supplements.⁽¹⁾ Some researchers suggest that silver may be linked to the proper functioning of the body’s natural defense system and that people with an inadequate intake of silver may be more prone to illness.

The term "colloidal" refers to a substance that consists of ultra-fine particles that do not dissolve, but remain suspended in a medium of different matter. These ultra-fine particles are larger than most molecules, but too small to be seen by the naked eye. The particles are electrically charged to activate the germicidal quality of the silver and allow the particles to remain suspended in the solution of deionized water.⁽¹⁾

A number of methods have been used to produce colloidal silver. The "grind" method used in the early 1900’s produced particles that were too large to stay in suspension. "Stabilizers" had to be added which tend to disturb the charge on the silver particles, thereby blocking their action and reducing their overall effectiveness. More recently, chemical processes have been used. The problem with using chemicals (acids) is the difficulty of getting them back out of the solution.⁽¹⁾

Progressive Laboratories Colloidal Silver is produced by an electrocolloidal process which allows extremely fine silver particles to be suspended in solution by the tiny charge placed on the particles. This process replaces the need for chemicals or stabilizers and produces a "true" colloid of silver.⁽¹⁾

WARNING: This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.

1. Canty, L.M. and Baranowski, Z., Colloidal Silver, The Antibiotic Alternative, The Colloid Research Foundation, Carmichael, CA, 1994.

2. Powell, J, "Our Mightiest Germ Fighter", Science Digest, March, 1978.

3. South, J, "Electro-Colloidal Silver: The Amazing Antimicrobial", Lecture given at Natural Products Expo West, Anaheim, CA, March, 1994.

4.. Ford, LC, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UCLA School of Medicine, Center for the Health Sciences, Letter Dated Nov. 1, 1988.

5. Becker, RO, Spadaro, JA, "Treatment of Orthopedic Infections with Electrically Generated Silver Ions", Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol. 60-A, pp 871-81, Jan. 9, 1978.

6. Becker, RO, Spadaro, JA, "Experience with Low Current Silver Electrode Treatment of Nonunion", Electrical Properties of Bone and Cartilage, pp. 631-8, Grune and Stratton, NY, 1979.

7. Webster, DA, Spadaro, JS, Becker, RO, Cramer, S, "Silver Anode Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis", Clinical Orthopedic and Related Research, Vol. 161, pp 104-14, 1981.