Silver, when ingested or absorbed in excess, can accumulate in multiple organs. It's not confined to a single organ.
Organs Affected by Silver Accumulation
Several studies show silver accumulating in various parts of the body. These include:
- Liver: A significant amount of absorbed silver is processed and stored by the liver. Studies in rats with ligated bile ducts showed a remarkably high percentage (48%) of silver deposition in the liver.[1, 4]
- Kidneys: The kidneys also play a vital role in silver excretion, and consequently, some silver accumulates here.[4]
- Skin: Silver accumulation in the skin is a hallmark of argyria, a condition causing bluish-gray skin discoloration.[2]
- Other Organs: Silver can also be found in the spleen, corneas, gingival (gums), mucous membranes, and nails.[1] Further research indicates potential accumulation in other organs after administration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).[8]
Argyria: A Consequence of Silver Accumulation
Argyria is a condition directly resulting from excessive silver buildup in the body. This condition leads to a permanent bluish-gray discoloration of the skin and nails due to silver deposition.[2]
Silver Metabolism and Excretion
The body attempts to eliminate silver through the liver and kidneys.[4] However, the efficiency of this elimination process is limited; the extent of silver excretion through urine is minimal.[6] The exact amount of silver leaving the body via skin is not fully understood.[6]
Important Note: While silver can accumulate in various organs, the specific location and concentration depend on factors such as the form of silver exposure (ionic, nanoparticle, etc.), the amount of exposure, and individual physiological variations. The information above represents common findings from research.
[1] Following exposure to large amounts, excess silver is reported to accumulate in skin, liver, kidneys, spleen, corneas, gingival, mucous membranes and nails 3. In a study of rats with ligated bile ducts, deposition of silver was 48% in the liver and 2.5% in the gastrointestinal tract 5.
[2] Argyria is a condition where deposits of silver build up in your body at toxic levels. This causes your skin and nails to turn bluish-gray.
[4] Silver is absorbed into the human body and enters the systemic circulation as a protein complex to be eliminated by the liver and kidneys. Silver metabolism is …
[6] Very little passes through the urine. It is not known how much of the silver that enters the body through the skin leaves the body. Some of the silver that is …
[8] Administration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to mice could result in their distribution and accumulation in multiple organs, with notable …