Colloidal gold and gold chloride are sold as liquid or nano-particle supplements. Marketers claim they can sharpen thinking, ease stiff joints, or boost energy. Mainstream medicine considers these claims unproven and unsupported by sound research.
Injectable gold salts were once prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors rarely use them now because of serious side effects. The oral supplements on the market are completely different formulations and have not demonstrated comparable effects.
Gold is a heavy metal that builds up in the body over time. Reported problems include skin rashes, mouth sores, and occasionally kidney damage or blood cell abnormalities. Anyone taking anticoagulants or immunosuppressant drugs should be aware that gold may interfere with those medications.