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Overview: Colloidal minerals are liquid mixtures that contain a wide range of micronutrients and other substances. These products are sometimes used to improve overall health, but their benefits and risks are not well understood. The actual contents of most colloidal minerals products are not always clear, since product labels may not list individual ingredients or their amounts. Before taking colloidal minerals, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What are colloidal minerals used for?

Colloidal minerals are sometimes used to improve overall health and reduce the risk for nutrient deficiencies. However, the actual contents of these products are not always clear, and their benefits and risks are not well understood.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed colloidal minerals for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does colloidal minerals work (mechanism of action)?

Colloidal minerals refers to liquid mixtures that contain many different minerals, metals, and other substances. The specific contents of most colloidal mineral products are unclear, as product labels are not required to state their exact contents.

Most of these products claim to contain a wide range of important micronutrients, including calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, potassium, and iodine. Some products may also contain certain metals that are important for the function of your body, such as copper, manganese, and molybdenum. Each of these nutrients is important to your health, but most people get enough from their diets.

There may also be many minerals and metals in these products that do not have any clear functions in the body. Some examples include boron, silver, aluminum, cesium, nickel, and vanadium. The risks of many of these substances and other substances that may be found in colloidal mineral products are not well understood.

Most colloidal mineral product labels state that they are made from decomposed plants. When plants are broken down over many years, they naturally release a wide range of minerals and metals. They also release a chemical called fulvic acid, which is found in most colloidal mineral products. This chemical may have some of its own effects in the body, but its benefits and risks are not well understood.

Since colloidal mineral products may contain dozens of different ingredients in unknown amounts, it is not possible to predict what effects they may have on the body. This also means that switching between different colloidal mineral products may cause different effects and side effects.

How should I store colloidal minerals?

You should store colloidal minerals according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of colloidal minerals?

Most of the ingredients found in colloidal mineral products seem to be well tolerated when used in small doses. But side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of colloidal minerals that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of colloidal minerals?

While less common, the most serious side effects of colloidal minerals are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Colloidal minerals may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking colloidal minerals and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin calledhives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Heavy Metal Poisoning. Due to the way colloidal mineral products are made, they may contain heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Taking colloidal minerals, especially in large amounts for a long time, could potentially cause heavy metal poisoning, which can be serious. Seek medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms while taking colloidal minerals.

  • Changes in behavior
  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Numbness or tingling in different parts of the body
  • Nausea and vomiting that does not go away
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Severe stomach pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use colloidal minerals?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take colloidal minerals.

  • Colloidal minerals
  • Fulvic acid
  • Trace minerals
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific colloidal minerals products they stock.

What should I know about colloidal minerals before using it?

Colloidal minerals are available as dietary supplements. These products cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep colloidal minerals out of the reach of children.

Do not confuse colloidal minerals with colloidal silver. Colloidal silver is a liquid mixture that contains tiny particles of silver. Silver is a metal that is not known to have any important functions in the body, and it may cause serious side effects when taken by mouth (see Colloidal Silver for more information).

Most colloidal mineral products do not list their ingredients on the label. This means it is often unclear whether a certain substance is found in a specific colloidal mineral product. It is also unclear how much of each substance is found in a specific product. Many micronutrients come from various sources, including foods, vitamins, or supplements. Taking colloidal minerals products may cause you to get too much of some micronutrients, which may be harmful. Talk to your health care provider if you are unsure whether it is safe to take colloidal minerals along with your other supplements.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Some colloidal mineral products may be contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium. The FDA has not tested colloidal minerals products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using colloidal minerals?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how colloidal minerals could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Some of the ingredients in colloidal minerals pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Do colloidal minerals interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between colloidal minerals and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect colloidal minerals.

Do colloidal minerals interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between colloidal minerals and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with colloidal minerals is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking colloidal minerals with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much colloidal minerals?

If you or someone else has used too much colloidal minerals, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Colloidal minerals may contain a wide range of micronutrients and other ingredients. However, these ingredients may not be clearly stated on the product label. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take colloidal minerals safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.