Silicon has attracted particular interest among people struggling with osteoporosis. Its use in combination with boron and iodine has also been reported, but why and what mechanisms occur in the body that make its supplementation beneficial? I will attempt to answer these and other questions in this article.
First a few words about silicon
It is one of the chemical elements in the periodic table (Mendeleev table), designated by the symbol "Si." It is the second most abundant element on Earth after oxygen. It is part of a compound called silica ( SiO2 ) and forms what is commonly known as "sand." Silicon dioxide, when exposed to high temperatures, creates glass, which is molded into various shapes to make everyday objects. That's not all. Silicon is also a mineral. Humans don't need it in as large quantities as, for example, calcium, potassium, or magnesium, but we still need it for the proper structure and function of the body. To date, the human requirement for silicon has not been determined, and maximum and minimum doses have not been established. It is estimated that the daily intake of this element should be around 10–25 mg per day, but this requires further confirmation. Although there are not many studies on the properties of silicon for the human body, mainly due to the difficulty of determining it, many of them are extremely promising [1] [2].
The main sources of dietary silicon include: green peas, bananas, strawberries, mineral water (the highest concentration of silicon in ordinary mineral waters is found in Kryniczanka, Cisowianka, Arctic, Nałęczowianka and Muszynianka waters, as well as Nestle Aquarel and Białowieża spring waters – silicon content above 10 mg/dm 3 ), and herbs, e.g. horsetail, nettle [2] [3].
Bone structure, osteoporosis
Silicon is involved in the process of ossification, e.g., through the differentiation of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and the synthesis of type I collagen, which is involved in the metabolism of connective tissue and cartilage. Furthermore, the effect of silicon on the metabolism of calcium and magnesium has been observed. This is particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women, who are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis due to the often observed inadequate intake of calcium and magnesium. Silicon increases the concentration of these two elements. In addition, silicon has been observed to have a positive effect on bone healing after fractures. Therefore, benefits are seen in silicon supplementation to increase bone mineral density (BMD). However, it should be noted that there are still no precise guidelines on the recommended amount of silicon, so overdose is very likely. Further research is needed to provide detailed dietary recommendations [3] [4] [5] [6].
scalp and nails
Horsetail is often added to shampoos to strengthen hair and prevent hair loss. It owes its properties to silicon, which has a positive effect on the structure of skin, hair, and nails, strengthening them through a synergistic effect with vitamin C on the synthesis of collagen fibers, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. It smoothes expression lines and reduces the visibility of UV spots. It also improves skin processes, which is used, for example, in the treatment of acne. It supports the treatment of skin inflammation and accelerates exfoliation and regeneration of the epidermis. [2] [4] [7] [8] [9].
circulation
Atherogenesis (development of atherosclerosis) is the progressive process of atherosclerotic plaque formation until it ruptures and causes atherosclerosis. This process is particularly dependent on a proper diet, particularly the amount and type of fat in the diet. Silicon is believed to inhibit this process and thus prevent the development of the disease. Research is ongoing, so clarification and confirmation of this relationship remains to be seen [2] [6].
Neurodegenerative diseases
Researchers followed a group of elderly people for 15 years to investigate the relationship between the consumption of water containing aluminum and silicon and dementia. At the end of the study, they concluded that the consumption of water containing aluminum (aluminum) had a positive effect on the onset of dementia, while the opposite was observed for silicon. This means that silicon may play an important role in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, silicon counteracts the toxic effects of aluminum on the body by reducing its absorption and, therefore, its concentration. Therefore, in situations with high aluminum concentrations in the body, it is recommended to increase silicon levels [8] [9] [10] [11].
The most commonly analyzed and widely used form of silicon in dietary supplements is MMST (monomethylsilanetriol) – organic silicon. Research has shown its use to be effective and safe. When used according to the manufacturer's instructions, it has no side effects [9] [12].
Another chemical form of silicon in dietary supplements is silicic acid and orthosilicic acid (H 4 SiO 4 ) – they are considered to be one of the most easily absorbed by the human body [4] [6] [11].
In dietary supplements, silicon is often combined with boron. This is due to the synergistic effect of these elements. Boron supports the absorption of silicon and increases its effectiveness.
SUMMARY:
Silicon is a mineral that should be given special attention if you are at increased risk of osteoporosis. By stimulating collagen synthesis, it influences bone structure, the development of connective tissue and cartilage, and strengthens blood vessel walls to prevent atherosclerosis. This mineral has a positive effect on the appearance and structure of skin, hair, and nails. There are also reports of beneficial effects of silicon, such as in the prevention of dementia.
This article is informative and does not preclude consulting a doctor, nutritionist or pharmacist to individually adjust supplementation.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
- https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon July 24, 2021
- Prescha A., Zabłocka K., Naduk J., Grajeta H.: Mineral and spring waters and fruit juices as sources of silicon in food; ANNUAL PZH 2011, 62, No. 3, 289–293
- Białokoz-Kalinowska I., Konstantynowicz J., Abramowicz P., Piotrowska-Jastrzębska J.: Nutrition in the prevention of osteoporosis – recommendations and controversies; Pediatrician Med Genesis 2013, 9(4), pp. 350–356
- Boguszewska-Czubara A., Pasternak K.: Silicon in Medicine and Treatment; Journal of Elementology 2011, 16 (3): 489–497
- Boguszewska-Czubara A., Hordyjewska A., Pasterniak K. and others: The Level of Calcium and Magnesium in Blood
of Rats Receiving Different Doses of Silicon; Erw Klin exp Med 2011, 20, 6, 677–682
- Wiśniewski J.: The role of silicon and sulfur in connective tissue diseases. Part II; Farm Pol, 2018, 74(3): 155-157
- Dawidziak J., Balcerkiewicz M.: Diet as a complement to the treatment of acne vulgaris (Acne vulgaris); Contemporary Pharmacy 2016, 9: 1-5
- Błecha K.: Excessive hair loss – rational phytotherapy and dietary supplementation; According to Fitoter 2021; 22(1): 70-73
- Ferreira AO, Freire ES, Polonini HC and others: Anti-aging effects of monomethylsilanetriol and maltodextrin-stabilized orthosilicic acid on nails, skin, and hair; Cosmetics 2018, 5 (3), 41
- Rondeau V, Jacqmin-Gadda H, Commenges D, Helmer C, Dartigues J, F: Aluminum and silica in drinking water and the risk of Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline: results of the 15-year follow-up of the PAQUID cohort. Bin. J. Epidemiol. 2009, 169, 489-496
- Węglarzy K., Bereza M.: Biological significance of silicon and its interactions with other elements; Zootechnische Nachrichten, R. XLV (2007), 4: 67-70
- Jugdaohsingh R., Hui M., Anderson SH et al.: The silicon supplement 'monomethylsilanetriol' is safe and increases the body pool of silicon in healthy premenopausal women. Nutr. Metab. (Lon.) 2013; 10:37–39.
