Newsweek repeatedly ran “sponsored” articles advertising colloidal silver as a way to prevent or treat COVID-19

One sponsored Newsweek article falsely claimed that “Black Americans can help protect themselves from COVID-19” by using a colloidal silver brand

Written by Eric Hananoki

Published

Newsweek and coated silver

Andrea Austria / Media Matters

During the pandemic, Newsweek repeatedly published “sponsored” articles that promoted and “back[ed]” a type of colloidal silver by falsely claiming it can prevent or treat COVID-19. The Newsweek sponsored content -- which has since been removed following a Media Matters inquiry -- targeted Black people, young people, and the elderly, and made false statements such as claiming the silver could “lower the odds of contracting COVID-19,” “spare” people from “infection,” and “aid with recovery.” 

Newsweek apparently endorsed the colloidal silver product, as the sponsored content division -- called Newsweek Amplify -- states that it recommends only “products we back.” The Food and Drug Administration has stated that “colloidal silver is not safe or effective for treating any disease or condition,” and the federal government has gone after companies marketing colloidal silver “with claims to prevent, treat, mitigate, diagnose or cure” COVID-19. 

In a statement to Media Matters, a Newsweek spokesperson said: “Newsweek Amplify is a sponsored content and affiliate marketing product run by an outsourced team of salespeople and content creators. Prior to May 2021, Amplify content was not supervised by a Newsweek editor. The articles you refer to were published well before that date; they did not meet Newsweek’s editorial standards and have now been deleted.”

Newsweek is an independent company owned by Johnathan Davis and Dev Pragad. In recent years, the publication has experienced numerous problems and been criticized by observers for “being used to launder right-wing ideas and conspiracy theories” and “selling off its own legacy while hoping that readers won’t notice.” 

The company’s advertising division includes Newsweek Amplify. A description on Newsweek’s website states that it is “the company's independent business unit” and “empower[s] digital brands with comprehensive content marketing and advertising strategies.” Newsweek Amplify articles are posted on Newsweek's domain name (Newsweek.com/amplify) and, as it suggests in marketing materials, Amplify leverages the outlet's search engine ranking to reach audiences. 

During the pandemic, this Newsweek section has frequently promoted products from Cymbiotika, a San Diego-based company that sells various supplements like Cymbiotika’s Coated Silver. The company claimed in a February 26, 2020, press release that the product contains “the highest concentration of pure colloidal silver in the world” and provides “the ultimate immune defense.” 

Media Matters noted last year that Cymbiotika promoted its silver product with the hashtag “coronavirus” in a since-removed Facebook post and claimed that it is a “potent mineral antibiotic that neutralizes viruses” and a “weapon for your immune system." 

Cymbiotika was founded by Chervin Jafarieh, who recently received media scrutiny for pushing junk science with tennis player Novak Djokovic. 

Newsweek had posted numerous “sponsored” articles on its website with the Newsweek Amplify byline promoting Cymbiotika products. A disclaimer on those stories stated: “We may earn a commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Newsweek AMPLIFY participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.” 

The Newsweek Amplify stories repeatedly made the false claim that Cymbiotika Coated Silver can prevent or treat COVID-19. 

The following are six examples that were posted Newsweek’s website but were removed following an inquiry from Media Matters. 

Newsweek Amplify claimed that “Black Americans Can Help Protect Themselves from COVID-19” and “lower the odds of contracting COVID-19” by using Cymbiotika’s Coated Silver

Newsweek Amplify posted an October 1 piece headlined “Are Black Americans at Higher Risk of Contracting COVID-19?” In a section titled “How Black Americans Can Help Protect Themselves from COVID-19,” Newsweek Amplify recommended Cymbiotika Coated Silver, writing: “Lower the odds of contracting COVID-19. Check out Cymbiotika today.” The following is a screenshot from that “sponsored article”:

Newsweek "sponsored article" promoting coated silver

A Newsweek "sponsored article" promoting coated silver

Newsweek Amplify told younger people that using Cymbiotika’s Coated Silver was one of the best ways “to fight the virus” 

Newsweek Amplify posted a September 29 piece headlined “Why are Younger People at Higher Risk for COVID-19?” It concluded with a section recommending that younger people use Cymbiotika’s Coated Silver to “fight off COVID-19”:

Give the Body a Chance to Fight off COVID-19

There are so many conditions that can lead a younger adult to get infected with COVID-19. The best way to fight the virus amidst all these conditions is not only to stay safe and practice social distancing guidelines but also by boosting the immune system with Cymbiotika Coated Silver – Immune Defense.

Cymbiotika Coated Silver contains potent mineral antibiotics from the earth's precious element, silver, that is proven to neutralize viruses while supporting healthy gut bacteria for a strong immune system.

With ingredients that you can trust and advanced nanotechnology that makes colloidal silver safest to ingest, Cymbiotika Coated Silver has helped thousands of its consumers stay protected in the presence of viruses and bacteria.

For younger people on the go, use Cymbiotika as the ultimate immune defense.

Newsweek Amplify told seniors that Cymbiotika “can protect from the onset of viruses” 

Newsweek Amplify posted a September 28 piece headlined “How the Aging Process Makes Seniors More Vulnerable to COVID-19.” It stated: “If you or any of the people you're living with are part of the older adult group, here's some useful information on how the aging process makes seniors more vulnerable to COVID-19 and how Cymbiotika, the ultimate immune system booster, can protect from the onset of viruses.” The piece then repeatedly recommended Cymbiotika products, including Cymbiotika’s Coated Silver. 

Newsweek Amplify told people that Cymbiotika can “aid with recovery” from COVID-19

Newsweek Amplify posted a September 25 piece headlined “What's it Like to Recover from COVID-19?” It recommended Cymbiotika’s Coated Silver (referenced as “Cymbiotika Ultimate Immune Defense”) to “aid with recovery,” writing: “What's it like to recover from coronavirus? Here are common side effects gathered from hospitals and patients' experiences, as well as a recommended immune system booster like Cymbiotika to aid with recovery.” The piece also concluded by stating: “Recovery can be tough. Boost immune system defense with Cymbiotika.” 

Newsweek Amplify claimed that Cymbiotika's Coated Silver is “your go-to immune system booster” during the pandemic

Newsweek Amplify posted a September 12 piece headlined “3 Immune System Killers You Probably Didn't Know About.” It told people that Cymbiotika's Coated Silver would “shield your immune system from diseases and infections.”

Your Go-To Immune System Booster

With the way things are looking, the end of COVID-19's destructive episode on humanity is nowhere in sight just yet. From our end, we cannot afford to compromise our immune system in any way, shape, or form.

The next best recourse is to arm yourself with extra protection. This is where Cymbiotika's Coated Silver supplement comes in. All you need is one drop of this bioactive colloidal silver to shield your immune system from diseases and infections.

Reading through consumer testimonials will give you an idea of how effective this product works. But you can try it out for yourself.

Don't skimp on immune system health. Choose Cymbiotika's Coated Silver.

Newsweek Amplify told people that Cymbiotika can “spare” them from a COVID-19 infection

Newsweek Amplify posted a September 9 piece headlined “Can Herd Immunity End the COVID-19 Pandemic?” It contained a section titled “How Can I Spare Myself From COVID-19 Infection?” and then recommended Cymbiotika’s Coated Silver:

How Can I Spare Myself From COVID-19 Infection?

Doing your part as a sensible citizen of the world like wearing masks and practicing physical distancing is a given. What oddly isn't highlighted is boosting your immune system.

You all know the basics, as it was instilled in us as young kids by our parents and school nurses. But during these times, it's all worth repeating:

  • Get enough sleep. 7-9 hours per night is the ideal number

  • Maintain a regular exercise routine

  • Keep a high-antioxidant diet of fruits and vegetables

  • Drink moderately

  • Control your stress levels

You can also go with some of the supplements in the market today, just like Cymbiotika's products. What sets them apart from other immune-boosting supplements is that they use all-natural vegan and non-GMO ingredients. Also present is Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant mostly seen in algae.

Cymbiotika's Coated Silver variant is its poster product for Ultimate Immune Defense. But if you want a more traditional approach, you can go with their Synergy Liposomal Vitamin C.

Whichever you choose, you can be sure that you're not taking in any chemicals that can further harm your body in the long run.

For optimal immune system health, choose Cymbiotika's Coated Silver.