OTTAWA — Health Canada is warning Canadians to avoid an unauthorized nutritional supplement that could pose health risks to people who use it.

The drug regulator has asked the company that distributes Colloidal Silver Water 20ppm to remove it from the market, but so far the company has not complied.

The product is sold for use in the treatment and prevention of infections, and its label says it can be taken orally, or as drops in the eyes, ears, and nose and on the skin.

Health Canada says there is no evidence the produce is sterile or manufactured according to requirements for ophthalmic products.

The drug regulator says using it in the eyes could actually pose an infection risk.

And people who take the product's recommended daily oral dose are exceeding the acceptable daily level of silver intake for infants, children and adults.

Prolonged consumption of silver can lead to a build-up in the body that can trigger a condition called generalized argyria, which produces a permanent bluish-grey discolouration of the skin, eyes and nails.

The product is distributed by SilverHealth Products Inc. and is available at retail stores and over the Internet.

Health Canada is advising retailers to remove the product from their shelves and it suggests consumers should return the product to the place of purchase.