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MINERALS OVERVIEW
Silicon is the most abundant mineral in the earth's crust and the second most abundant element on the planet (oxygen is the first). Silicon may be an essential element in humans. It is present in bone, blood vessels, cartilage, tendons, skin and hair.
Silicon is necessary for the formation of collagen for bones and connective tissue; for healthy nails, skin, and hair; and for calcium absorption in the early stages of bone formation. Silicon is found in areas of active growth inside the bones and may be involved in the growth of bone crystals and calcification. Silicon may also play a role in the formation of cartilage and other connective tissue, giving strength and stability. It is needed to maintain flexible arteries by maintaining elasticity of arterial cell walls, and plays a major role in preventing cardiovascular disease. Silicon counteracts the effects of aluminum on the body and is important in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. It stimulates the immune system and inhibits the aging process in tissues. Silicon levels decrease with aging, so elderly people need larger amounts.
Deficiency: Silicon deficiency in animals causes weak and malformed bones of the arms, legs and head. Low silicon levels also lead to atherosclerotic lesions in animals due to its role in artery wall formation. Thus silicon deficiency may play a role in cardiovascular disease.
SOURCES
Food that contain silicon include alfalfa, beets, brown rice, the herb horsetail, bell peppers, soybeans, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains, such as wheat and oats. Other sources are cucumbers, avocados, and strawberries. Silicon is easily lost in food processing.
COMMENTS
Silicon is most commonly found in the form of silica, a compound of silicon and oxygen also known as silicon dioxide (SiO2). One form of silicon, called silicic acid (actually, orthosilicic acid or OSA), appears to be extremely absorbable and useful as a silicon transport agent in the body.
Boron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and potassium aid in the efficient utilization of silicon.
DOSAGE INFORMATION
Average daily intakes of silicon probably range from about 20 to 50 mg per day with the lower values for animal-based diets and the higher values for plant-based diets.
Silicon supplements have been used to improve strength in hair, skin and nails.
Silicon may have a role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis as supplements have been shown to increase bone mineral density.
Silicon supplements are available in several different forms, including sodium metasilicate and silicic acid.
If You Get Too Little: Silicon deficiency in animals causes weak and malformed bones of the arms, legs and head. Low silicon levels also lead to atherosclerotic lesions in animals due to its role in artery wall formation. Thus silicon deficiency may play a role in cardiovascular disease.
If You Get Too Much: Silicon is generally regarded as nontoxic.
SILICON SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Silica Complex, 8% Extract, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 90 Tabs
NOW Foods Silica Supplement is a vegetarian supplement that will help build strong and healthy hair, skin and nails.
Cellfood Silica Liquid Drops, 4 fl. oz.
CellfoodŽ Silica contains all of these elements which support bones, arteries, connective tissue, healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Original Silica Gel Supplement, Nature's Way, Vegetarian, 90 VCaps
Nature's Way Original Silica Gel Supplement is a colloidal preparation of natural silica, a good source of elemental silicon, in which microscopic particles of silica are so finely dispersed in water that a gel is formed.
Horsetail Herb Grass, Nature's Way, 440 mg, 100 Caps
Horsetail herb contains approximately 22 milligrams of Silica per capsule or 4.94% and Nature's Way Horsetail Grass is certified organically processed by Oregon tilth.
FOR MORE PRODUCTS & INFORMATION CLICK ON THESE LINKS:
HerbalRemedies: Silica / Silicon Supplements & Products
HerbalRemedies: Silica / Silicon Information
Two good sources of silicon are:
Body Essential Silica Gel from Anton Huebner GmbH and BioSil from Jarrow Formulas. BioSil contains OSA and Body Essential contains silica gel.
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Minerals Index
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