It is a common fascination to wonder about the edibility of gold, a metal so revered for its beauty and value. This curiosity often extends to understanding how the human body might interact with such a substance. While often seen adorning luxury foods, the question of whether gold can be digested delves into the intricate relationship between chemistry, biology, and our perception of precious materials. Exploring this topic reveals specific scientific reasons why elemental gold behaves uniquely within the human digestive system.
Why Elemental Gold Resists Digestion
Elemental gold cannot be digested by the human body primarily due to its remarkable chemical inertness. Gold is classified as a “noble metal,” meaning it resists chemical reactions with many common substances, including the potent acids and enzymes present in the digestive tract. Gold, however, is an element, not a compound, and its atomic structure is exceptionally stable.
The electrons in gold’s atoms are tightly bound, making them less available for forming new chemical bonds. This stability prevents gold from reacting with digestive fluids like hydrochloric acid in the stomach or various enzymes found throughout the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, the body lacks the biochemical pathways or mechanisms to chemically alter or break down elemental gold.
What Happens After Swallowing Gold
When elemental gold is swallowed, it typically passes through the digestive system largely unchanged. Because it is not broken down or absorbed, it travels through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The gold is then excreted from the body as waste.
While elemental gold is not chemically toxic, physical risks can arise depending on its form and size. Larger or sharp pieces could potentially pose a risk of choking or cause irritation or obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the gold used in edible applications, such as gold leaf or flakes, is typically very thin and pure, minimizing such physical hazards. Edible gold must be 23-24 karats, as jewelry gold may contain other metals that can be toxic if consumed.
Gold’s Role in Medicine and Other Forms
Although elemental gold is indigestible, gold in different chemical forms has specific applications in medicine. For instance, gold compounds, often referred to as gold salts, have been historically used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. These gold compounds, such as gold sodium thiomalate, are chemically reactive and interact with the body’s biological systems, unlike inert elemental gold. Research on the medicinal effects of gold began in 1935, primarily to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Furthermore, gold nanoparticles represent an emerging area of medical research. These tiny engineered forms of gold possess unique properties that make them suitable for various diagnostic tools and drug delivery systems. Gold nanoparticles are chosen for drug delivery applications due to their easy synthesis, inertness, biocompatibility, and ability to load drugs and functionalize for targeted delivery. The use of gold nanoparticles and gold compounds highlights that the body’s interaction with gold depends entirely on its chemical state and form, not just its presence.