Information on Silicon

The importance of silica, also referred to as dietary "Silicon", in the proper maintenance and function of human (and animal) health, can no longer be ignored. Next to oxygen, silicon is the most abundant element on earth. Silicon is found in the ash of most plant and animal tissues in small quantities.

Silicon is a trace mineral. Although not much is scientifically known about silicon, it is considered an essential trace element. Silicon is required for proper integrity of skin, ligaments, tendons and bone. Silicon is required for the proper functioning of the enzyme prolyhydroxylase which is responsible for the formation of collagen in bone and elastin, cartilage and other connective tissues. Silicon may also be important in bone calcification.

There has been a growing interest in silicon-based products in the cosmetics industry, because they have realized that shampoos, creams and lotions containing silica are very effective for the development of healthy skin, nails and hair.

As we grow older, levels of silica decline in the body and may contribute to many factors of aging, including bone loss and heart disease. Therapeutically, silica has been used to heal fractures and increase bone mineralization in osteoporosis.

There are no known cases of silicon deficiency. It is thought that symptoms of a possible deficiency are certain joint disorders, due to silicon's role in bone and cartilage composition.

Silicon is not usually taken as a supplement on its own and is best taken in the form of a multivitamin and mineral supplement. No estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake has been established.

In 1878, Louis Pasteur believed that the need for silica in treating many diseases, would someday be widely recognized. Various scientists, in the 20th century, supported Pasteur's theory by extensively studying the effect of silica on animal and human life.

Through research done in 1972 at UCLA, Dr. Edith Carlisle found that silica is an essential trace element, necessary for normal bone development. It was determined that optimal growth and skeletal development could not occur without adequate amounts of this essential trace mineral. While studying mice, depressed growth and skull deformities occurred due to an inadequate supply of silica.

Humans showed the following symptoms when lacking a sufficient amount of silica in their diet: cardiovascular and arterial problems, fragile bones, joint deterioration, digestive disorders, along with weakened gums and teeth.



Once supplied with the appropriate amount of silica, the above symptoms showed considerable improvement, in addition to this: collagen levels elevated, calcium absorption increased, and cardiovascular support strengthened. The texture of the hair, skin and nails showed improvement, as well.

Scientists also discovered that silica is important for making the collagen matrix structure, where calcium deposits are used for building and strengthening bones. Silica is so imperative for forming healthy bones, that some scientists believe silica supplements are even more important than calcium for maintaining bone strength.

Silica supplements become even more necessary as we age, because the human body absorbs and uses less of it, with each passing year. This may be one reason we lose flexibility and joint stability as we get older.

In addition to our ever increasing need for silica, another challenge is that silica cannot easily be found in large quantities in most foods. Though it can be found in certain cereal grains, such as: oats, millet, barley, wheat and potatoes, along with fruits, beets and turnips - most silica is usually lost in the refinement process of these foods.

The average daily intake of silica from the diet is approximately 20 to 50 milligrams per day, but the optimum dose is higher. Researchers are finding that by supplementing the diet with a minimum of 40 milligrams of silica a day, the skin shows an improvement of elasticity, texture and thickness. Added benefits include helping weakened teeth and gums, strengthening bones, and decreasing hair loss. Overall, silica was found to help the body repair, rebuild, strengthen, and lessen or eliminate many body ailments associated with aging.

  • Roche: A-Z Guide on vitamins and minerals - Selenium, Silicon, Sodium and Sulphur
  • Bill Evans. Applied Health Solutions Journal. Topics of Health and Natural Healing Volume 8: May 1, 1999
  • "Silicon Biochemistry," Ciba Foundation Symposium 121. John Wiley & Sons, 1986.
  • "Silica," Edward a. Lemmo, Ph.D. Keats Publishing, Inc., 1998.