Key Takeaways:
- Silica supports strong and healthy skin, hair, and nails.
- It promotes bone health by boosting collagen production.
- Silica helps improve joint flexibility and connective tissue strength.
- It aids in detoxification by removing toxins and heavy metals.
- Silica contributes to cardiovascular health by maintaining artery flexibility.
What is Silica?
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring compound found in rocks, plants, and even the human body.
It is an essential mineral for maintaining healthy bones, skin, hair, nails, and joints. Silica supports collagen production, which helps with tissue strength and flexibility.
Benefits of Silica
Bone Health and Strength
Silica is important for bone health because it supports collagen production, a key protein in bone tissue.
It also aids in calcium absorption, making bones stronger and more resilient. This is helpful for maintaining bone density and preventing conditions related to bone weakness.
Skin, Hair, and Nails
Silica helps improve the condition of the skin, hair, and nails by promoting collagen production.
This supports skin elasticity and hydration, making it appear healthier. For hair, silica strengthens strands and prevents breakage, while for nails, it helps improve their strength and reduce brittleness.
Joint and Connective Tissue Health
Silica is beneficial for joint and connective tissue health by promoting flexibility and supporting the structure of tendons and ligaments.
It also helps regenerate cartilage, which is important for joint function and reducing discomfort in conditions like arthritis.
Detoxification Benefits
Silica plays a role in the body’s detoxification processes by binding to and helping remove harmful substances like heavy metals.
This helps the body clear out toxins more effectively, which supports overall health.
Cardiovascular Health
Silica supports cardiovascular health by helping to maintain the flexibility of arteries, allowing for better blood flow.
This benefit can reduce the risk of artery-related problems and contribute to heart health.
Immune Support
Silica also boosts the immune system by promoting faster healing and tissue regeneration. Its effects on connective tissue can help the body recover more quickly from injury or illness.
Source of Silica
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural source of silica, derived from fossilized algae, and can be used to support silica intake.
Its high silica content makes it a popular supplement for promoting bone, skin, and joint health.
BioSil and ch-OSA® Complex
BioSil’s ch-OSA® complex boosts collagen, elastin, and keratin production, using your body’s natural processes for a unique, personalized effect.
BioSil is the only clinically proven supplement to do this, making it a standout option for those looking to support their body’s natural collagen production.
FAQs
How does silica improve skin health?
Silica enhances skin elasticity and moisture retention, promoting a youthful and hydrated appearance.
Can silica help with hair growth?
Yes, silica strengthens hair and reduces breakage, promoting thicker, healthier hair growth.
What foods are rich in silica?
Foods like cucumbers, leafy greens, oats, and brown rice are high in silica.
How does silica benefit bone strength?
Silica supports collagen production, bone density, and calcium absorption, contributing to stronger bones.
Is silica safe for long-term use?
Silica is generally safe for long-term use when consumed in appropriate amounts, but always consult with a healthcare provider.
Research
Araújo, L.A. de, Addor, F. and Campos, P.M.B.G.M., 2016. Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy. *Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia*, [online] 91(3), pp.331–335. https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20163986.
Arora, M., & Arora, E., 2017. The promise of silicon: Bone regeneration and increased bone density. *Journal of Arthroscopy and Joint Surgery*, 4(3), pp.103–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jajs.2017.10.003.
Barel, A., Calomme, M., Timchenko, A., Paepe, K.De., Demeester, N., Rogiers, V., Clarys, P. and Vanden Berghe, D., 2005. Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on skin, nails and hair in women with photodamaged skin. *Archives of Dermatological Research*, [online] 297(4), pp.147–153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-005-0584-6.
Calomme, M., Geusens, P., Demeester, N., Behets, G.J., D’Haese, P., Sindambiwe, J.B., Van Hoof, V. and Berghe, D.V., 2006. Partial prevention of long-term femoral bone loss in aged ovariectomized rats supplemented with choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid. *Calcified Tissue International*, [online] 78(4), pp.227–232. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-005-0288-0.
Dong, M., Jiao, G., Liu, H., Wu, W., Li, S., Wang, Q., Xu, D., Li, X., Liu, H. and Chen, Y., 2016. Biological silicon stimulates collagen type 1 and osteocalcin synthesis in human osteoblast-like cells through the BMP-2/Smad/RUNX2 signaling pathway. *Biological Trace Element Research*, [online] 173(2), pp.306–315. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-016-0686-3.
Farooq, M. A., & Dietz, K. (2015). Silicon as Versatile Player in Plant and Human Biology: Overlooked and Poorly Understood. Frontiers in Plant Science, 6, 165767.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2015.00994
Geusens, P., Pavelka, K., Rovensky, J., Vanhoof, J. and Vanden Berghe, D., 2014. SAT0441 Effect of Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid on Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis in A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. *Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases*, [online] 73(Suppl 2), pp.753.3-754. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.2826.
Geusens, P., Pavelka, K., Rovensky, J., Vanhoof, J., Demeester, N., Calomme, M. and Vanden Berghe, D., 2017. A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. *BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders*, [online] 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-016-1370-7.
Jurkić, L. M., Cepanec, I., Pavelić, S. K., & Pavelić, K. (2013). Biological and therapeutic effects of ortho-silicic acid and some ortho-silicic acid-releasing compounds: New perspectives for therapy. Nutrition & Metabolism, 10, 2.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-10-2
JUGDAOHSINGH, R. SILICON AND BONE HEALTH. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 11(2), 99.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2658806/
Kleiber, T., Calomme, M. and Borowiak, K., 2015. The effect of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on microelements and silicon concentration, photosynthesis activity and yield of tomato grown under Mn stress. *Plant Physiology and Biochemistry*, [online] 96, pp.180–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2015.07.033.
Martin KR, 2007. The chemistry of silica and its potential health benefits. *J Nutr Health Aging*, 11(2), pp.94-7. PMID: 17435951.
Nielsen, F. H., 2014. Update on the possible nutritional importance of silicon. *Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology*, 28(4), pp.379-382. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.06.024
Prescha, A., Zabłocka-Słowińska, K., Grajeta, H., 2019. Dietary silicon and its impact on plasma silicon levels in the Polish population. *Nutrients*, 11(5), p.980. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11050980.
Ratcliffe, S., Jugdaohsingh, R., Vivancos, J., Marron, A., Deshmukh, R., Ma, J.F., Mitani-Ueno, N., Robertson, J., Wills, J., Boekschoten, M.V., Müller, M., Mawhinney, R.C., Kinrade, S.D., Isenring, P., Bélanger, R.R. and Powell, J.J., 2017. Identification of a mammalian silicon transporter. *American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology*, [online] 312(5), pp.C550–C561. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00219.2015.
Rodella, L.F., Bonazza, V., Labanca, M., Lonati, C. and Rezzani, R., 2014. A review of the effects of dietary silicon intake on bone homeostasis and regeneration. *The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging*, [online] 18(9), pp.820–826. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-014-0555-8.
Rondanelli, M., Faliva, M.A., Peroni, G., Gasparri, C., Perna, S., Riva, A., Petrangolini, G. and Tartara, A., 2021. Silicon: A neglected micronutrient essential for bone health. *Experimental Biology and Medicine*, [online] 246(13), pp.1500–1511. https://doi.org/10.1177/1535370221997072.
Sadowska, A., & Świderski, F., 2020. Sources, Bioavailability, and Safety of Silicon Derived from Foods and Other Sources Added for Nutritional Purposes in Food Supplements and Functional Foods. *Applied Sciences*, 10(18), p.6255. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10186255.
Spector, T.D., Calomme, M.R., Anderson, S.H., Clement, G., Bevan, L., Demeester, N., Swaminathan, R., Jugdaohsingh, R., Berghe, D.A.V. and Powell, J.J., 2008. Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid supplementation as an adjunct to Calcium/Vitamin D3 stimulates markers of bone formation in osteopenic females: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. *BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders*, [online] 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-9-85.
Wickett, R.R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., Demeester, N., Clarys, P., Vanden Berghe, D. and Calomme, M., 2007. Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. *Archives of Dermatological Research*, [online] 299(10), pp.499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z.
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