When people consider ingesting gold, its effects on the body are often a topic of curiosity. This practice has roots in various traditions and modern applications, but its effects are complex. Gold is not a single substance; its form significantly influences how the body interacts with it. This article explores the different types of gold people might encounter and the physiological responses to each.
Forms of Ingestible Gold
Gold intended for consumption exists in three forms: edible metallic gold, colloidal gold, and gold salts. Edible gold, commonly found as leaf or flakes, consists of pure or nearly pure elemental gold, typically 22 to 24 karats, often with a small amount of silver added for durability. This form is processed into extremely thin sheets or particles for culinary and decorative purposes.
Colloidal gold refers to microscopic gold particles suspended in a liquid and is frequently marketed as a health supplement. These particles are much smaller than those in gold leaf. Gold salts, in contrast, are chemical compounds containing gold ions, not metallic gold particles. These compounds are water-soluble and interact with biological systems.
The Body’s Interaction with Ingested Gold
Once ingested, the body processes different forms of gold. Metallic edible gold is largely inert within the human digestive system. It does not react with stomach acids or digestive enzymes and is not absorbed into the bloodstream.
This elemental gold passes through the gastrointestinal tract unchanged and is excreted from the body. Colloidal gold may behave differently depending on particle size and surface characteristics. While much of it may also pass through, some nanoparticles could potentially be absorbed or accumulate in certain tissues.
Gold salts are designed for absorption. When consumed orally, a portion of these compounds can be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream. Once absorbed, gold ions can bind to proteins in the blood and distribute throughout the body, eventually being excreted through both urine and feces.
Health Implications of Gold Consumption
The health effects of gold consumption vary significantly depending on its form. For edible metallic gold, it is generally harmless. This is because it is biologically inert and passes through the body without being absorbed or providing any nutritional value.
However, potential risks arise from impure products or in individuals with metal hypersensitivity, which could lead to allergic reactions. A theoretical concern exists that micro-sized gold particles, if not completely passed, could cause chronic inflammation if trapped in digestive organs, though this is not commonly observed with food-grade gold.
Colloidal gold is often promoted with various health claims, including anti-inflammatory properties, improved mental clarity, and skin rejuvenation. However, scientific evidence supporting these claimed benefits is limited or lacking. While acute toxicity is rare, the long-term effects of consuming colloidal gold, particularly concerning its potential accumulation in tissues, are not well-established.
Gold salts have a history of medicinal use, particularly in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, a practice known as chrysotherapy or aurotherapy. These compounds work by reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression. However, gold salt therapy is associated with a range of side effects, including skin rashes, mouth sores, kidney damage, liver dysfunction, and blood disorders. Prolonged use can lead to chrysiasis, a permanent bluish-gray discoloration of the skin. Due to these significant side effects and the development of newer treatments, the use of gold salts in medicine has decreased since the 1980s.
Common Applications and Misunderstandings
People often consume gold for aesthetic and perceived wellness reasons. Edible gold leaf and flakes are widely used in haute cuisine and beverages as a decorative element. This practice is purely for visual appeal, adding a sense of luxury without altering taste or providing any nutritional benefit.
Historically, gold was also incorporated into elixirs and traditional medicines. In modern alternative medicine, colloidal gold is frequently promoted for an array of health benefits. These claims, however, often lack rigorous scientific backing.
It is important to distinguish between food-grade metallic gold and other forms. Jewelry gold, for instance, often contains alloys like copper that are not safe for ingestion. Ensuring that any consumed gold is certified as edible and meets purity standards is important for safety.