Silver (= Argentum) (Ag)
Against 650 species of bacteria!
Silver in the human body has pronounced bactericidal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent effects. However, silver is not currently classified as an essential ultratrace element for the human body.
The daily requirement for the human body is not precisely established; the average daily intake of silver is about 7 µg.
The bioavailability of silver, determined by the absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, is 5%.
Absorption of silver through the skin and mucous membranes is possible. Silver is present in small amounts in all organs and tissues; the average content of this element in the bodies of mammals reaches 20 µg per 100 g of dry mass. The brain, lungs, liver, erythrocytes, the pigmented layer of the eye, and the pituitary gland are the most enriched with silver. Silver is primarily excreted from the body through the intestines.
Biological role in the human body. In the human body, silver forms complexes with blood plasma proteins (globulins, albumin, fibrinogen, hemoglobin, etc.), blocks sulfhydryl groups (HS–) of enzymes, inhibiting their activity and suppressing tissue respiration.
Under the influence of silver, myosin – the main protein of human muscle tissue – loses the ability to hydrolyze ATP.
It is suggested that silver plays an important role in supporting processes related to higher nervous activity and functions of the human peripheral nervous system.
Silver has pronounced bactericidal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent effects. Silver is a natural bactericidal metal, effective against 650 species of bacteria that do not develop resistance to it (unlike almost all antibiotics), as well as against many protozoa (flagellates, ciliates) and several viruses. It is believed that silver suppresses the enzymes that control the energy metabolism of pathogens. It has been established that leukocytes can phagocytize silver and deliver it to the sites of inflammation.
With prolonged contact with silver in industrial conditions, silver may accumulate in the liver, kidneys, skin, and mucous membranes.
Synergists and antagonists of silver. Silver is an antagonist of
copper (causes inhibition of Cu-dependent enzymes).
Signs of silver deficiency. The causes and main manifestations of silver deficiency in the body are insufficiently studied. There is data that a decrease in silver concentration in the body is associated with a deterioration in well-being, headaches, rapid fatigue, reduced immunity, impaired cardiovascular function, dilation of veins and arteries, and increased cholesterol levels in the blood.
Main manifestations of silver excess: signs of central nervous system damage; vision disturbances due to silver deposits in the retina, decreased blood pressure, brown or grayish skin and mucous membrane discoloration (argyrosis), pain in the right hypochondrium, liver enlargement; gastritis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; argyria – formation of silver deposits in the skin (with chronic exposure).
It is not advisable to drink water with silver ions. Silver, like gold, is a cellular poison, a xenobiotic. Silver ions replace trace element ions in enzymes, such as cobalt ions, responsible for metabolism and reproduction. This leads to impaired cell function and cell death. Continuous consumption of silver even in small doses can cause a chronic disease associated with increased silver content in the body – argyria (argentosis).
According to WHO, the harmless cumulative dose for humans that can be received over a lifetime (about 70 years) is 10 g of silver, the single toxic dose is 60 mg, and the lethal dose is 1.3–6.2 g.
Silver is necessary: in cases of erosions, ulcers, excessive granulation, cracks, acute conjunctivitis, trachoma, chronic hyperplastic laryngitis, in inflammations of the urethra and bladder (as an antiseptic), in nervous diseases (neuralgia and epilepsy).