The informal term “gold shot” refers to an injection containing gold-based substances, typically encountered in alternative or historical medical practices. This phrase is not recognized in conventional medicine and describes a non-standardized therapeutic approach. The substance injected can vary significantly, leading to confusion about its purpose and effects. This article clarifies the components of this injection, reviews its claimed uses, and examines the scientific evidence regarding its efficacy and safety profile.
Defining the Term and Its Components
The “gold shot” generally describes an injectable solution containing a form of gold, most commonly colloidal gold. Colloidal gold is a liquid suspension of gold nanoparticles, which are ultra-fine particles of elemental gold typically ranging from 5 to 100 nanometers in size. These particles are suspended in a fluid, usually distilled water, and their size gives the solution distinct colors, often appearing wine red or purple.
Historically, the term may be confused with gold salt injections, a former medical treatment known as chrysotherapy. Chrysotherapy used pharmacologically defined ionic gold compounds, such as sodium aurothiomalate, which are chemically distinct from colloidal gold nanoparticles. The modern use of “gold shot” in alternative wellness circles usually implies the injection of the colloidal form, though the concentration and particle size are often unregulated and non-standardized.
Historical and Modern Claims
The historical use of injectable gold compounds, or chrysotherapy, was a recognized treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) beginning in the 1920s. Practitioners used gold salts to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of joint damage. This treatment fell out of common practice due to the development of safer and more effective modern disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
In contemporary alternative medicine, colloidal gold injections are promoted with a wider range of purported benefits, focusing less on RA and more on general wellness. Modern claims suggest the gold shot can enhance cognitive function and improve memory. Other claims include anti-aging properties, general vitality, and anti-inflammatory effects for various chronic conditions.
Scientific Review and Safety Profile
The claims surrounding the “gold shot,” particularly the injection of colloidal gold for general wellness, lack robust support from large-scale clinical trials. Gold nanoparticles are the subject of research in drug delivery and cancer therapy, but these sophisticated, targeted applications do not validate the use of non-specific colloidal gold injections. The historical efficacy of gold salts for rheumatoid arthritis does not transfer to the current, unregulated use of colloidal gold.
The safety profile of the “gold shot” is a concern due to both the substance and the delivery method. Injecting any non-regulated substance carries risks, including infection, abscesses, and severe allergic reactions, especially when administered in non-sterile environments. The long-term effects of gold nanoparticles accumulating in the body are still being studied, and toxicity relates to the particles’ size, concentration, and surface properties.
Historically, gold salt injections for RA had a high rate of adverse effects, impacting approximately one-third of patients. Issues included kidney damage, skin reactions, and blood disorders. While colloidal gold is chemically different, non-medical-grade solutions may contain impurities or have particle sizes that lead to unknown toxicities. Due to the absence of regulatory oversight, the purity, concentration, and true safety of a given “gold shot” are often unknown to the consumer.