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Homemade dietary supplements might seem like a cost-effective idea that might help improve your health without going for expensive products. This is what Paul Karason from Washington thought a few years ago and took a homemade supplement for years to reduce symptoms of arthritis, dermatitis, and other conditions.
The supplement was made with colloidal silver chloride, which he drank regularly and applied the same on his face to prevent skin flaking.
He appeared on the TODAY show on national television in 2008 where his skin appeared blue. The video went viral soon after.
What does Karason's story tell about homemade dietary supplements? Are they safe? Let's find out.
Are homemade nutritional supplements safe?
Industrially produced nutritional supplements are formulated on the basis of several official guidelines set by the US FDA and other agencies in various countries. The recommended daily allowances (RDA) are taken care of while producing all supplements.
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Apart from the RDA guidelines, the chemical form is also important while preparing dietary supplements to increase bioavailability and decrease the risk of adverse effects, including nausea and vomiting.
Homemade dietary supplements cannot be monitored or checked for chemical composition or purity and hence can be dangerous if prepared without proper procedures.
Since these types of supplements require sophisticated equipment and sterilized containers, the chances of contamination and mishaps are extremely high. There can be adverse effects, including toxicity and other emergency situations arising from the consumption of homemade dietary supplements.
What is colloidal silver that made Paul Karason blue?
Colloidal silver is a popular remedy that has many controversies. It is widely practiced in alternative medicine and has been declared unsafe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1999.
According to the FDA, all over-the-counter products that contain colloidal silver ingredients or silver salts are not generally recognized as safe or effective. It might also reduce the absorption of certain medications. You’ll usually find it in the pharmacy labeled as:
- colloidal silver spray
- silver hydrosol
- colloidal silver nebulizer
- silver water
- silver sol
Consumption of colloidal silver is associated with several health risks, such as argyria, neurological damage, and liver and kidney damage.
The silver might have accumulated in Paul's skin, which caused the blue color. Karson's blue skin earned him the nickname of ‘Blue Man’ and ‘Papa Smurf’, which he disliked.
Karason died in 2013 at the age of 62 after being treated for pneumonia after suffering a heart attack. It is not known whether homemade dietary supplements caused adverse effects on his heart.
How to choose the right dietary supplement?
It is recommended to only buy supplements that are certified by the FDA and tested by independent agencies for safety and efficacy. Read the nutritional label well and check for any allergen advice. Before buying any dietary supplements, remember to consult a nutritionist or a doctor.
Indranil Biswas is a nutritionist and personal trainer with a diploma in dietetics and personal training with a specialization in sports nutrition and strength training.
