What are the benefits of silicon for beauty and health?

Author: Nina Devrnja, PhD in Biology

Silicon is the second most abundant element in nature after oxygen and the third most abundant trace element in the human body (8). In its pure form, silicon rarely occurs in nature, but mainly as oxygenated silica (silicon dioxide, SiO2) and silicates (other compounds containing silicon and oxygen). Silica is widely used in the food and beverage industry, where it is used as a food additive, antifoaming agent, or dough modifier.

Beverages (water, coffee, beer) are the main source of silica in the human diet (up to 50%), followed by cereals and cereal products, fruits, and vegetables (1, 2). Dietary silica intake in the Western population is approximately 20–50 mg/day, while the estimate for China and India is approximately 200 mg/day (3, 4, 5).

What are the health benefits of silicon?

Although silicon was not recognized as a prominent nutrient for humans for a long time, there is now growing interest in its beneficial effects on human health. Studies support a possible role for silicon in atherosclerosis and hypertension, diabetes, bone and connective tissue diseases, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), and other conditions that are particularly prevalent in the elderly population.

In the human body, silicon is present at a concentration of 1-10 ppm in hair , nails , and the epidermis of the skin (9). Most of the silicon present in the blood is filtered by the kidneys. Silicon levels in the blood correlate with those in the urine (24).

Silicon is a mineral that plays an important role in bone formation. Osteoporosis is one of the leading causes of mortality in the elderly. It is defined as a progressive skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass and bone deterioration (10). Calcium and vitamin D have been the focus of dietary prevention of osteoporosis, but silicon supplementation has also received increased research after several animal studies demonstrated dysfunction in bone and connective tissue (11, 12).

The study by Moukarzel et al. demonstrated a direct correlation between silicon intake and bone mineral density (13). Another clinical study (Eisinger and Clairet (14)) confirmed that dietary silicon administration induced a significant increase in femoral bone mineral density in women. Another study published in 2005 showed an increase in bone formation markers, i.e., collagen synthesis, and a significant increase in bone mineral density (15).

The relationship between estrogen , bone health , and silicon metabolism was investigated by Macdonald and his colleagues. They found that dietary silicon interacts with estrogen and thus positively influences bone health (16).

Some researchers suggest that silica protects against aluminum by reducing aluminum absorption and/or increasing its excretion. A subsequent study showed that drinking up to 1 L of silicon-rich mineral water daily for 12 weeks promoted the excretion of aluminum in urine in both the control group and the Alzheimer's disease group. An improvement in cognitive performance was observed in 20% of participants (17).

Does silicon help with hair growth?

Collagen fibers are essential components of connective tissue and are present in large quantities in the skin, bones, and joints (23). Silicon is already used surgically, for example, in tissue engineering for tissue regeneration. Silicon is crucial for optimal collagen synthesis, and a silicon deficiency could lead to reduced skin elasticity and wound healing.

It's also a crucial element for healthy hair, as higher silicon content in the hair fiber leads to less hair loss and increased shine. Silicon is also an important mineral in nails. By improving nail quality, it also indirectly acts as a protection against nail infections (18). Degenerative changes associated with aging, caused by UV radiation, smoking, environmental pollution, and inadequate nutrition, lead to a sharp decrease in collagen and elastin (20).

A study (Akazaki et al.) showed that collagen degradation in the skin after age 21 is approximately 1% per year, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and a reduction in wrinkle thickness and depth (21). Unfortunately, these changes are even more pronounced after menopause, causing approximately 30% of skin collagen loss in the first 5 years, which is also related to the age-related decrease in bone mineral density (22).

Since silicon is important for collagen synthesis, activates hydroxylation enzymes that are important for the formation of the collagen network, and improves the firmness and elasticity of the skin, it can serve as a potential agent for improving and preventing skin aging .

But don't confuse silicon with silicone, a group of plastic-like materials containing silicon, oxygen, and other chemicals. Silicone is used to make breast implants, medical tubing, and other medical devices.

How safe are silicon supplements?

Significant amounts of silicon are present in some foods, but sometimes it is insoluble and cannot be directly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Various forms of silicon supplements exist, but the bioavailability of silicon varies greatly, ranging from less than 1% to 50% depending on the chemical form (6, 19).

Silicon supplements typically contain silicon in the form of orthosilicic acid or other forms that are presumably modified to be water-soluble, absorbable, and bioavailable.

Increased bioavailability of silicon in combination with MTC oil

As mentioned above, elemental silicon exists primarily as silicon dioxide/silica. Because it is poorly soluble in water, it has poor bioavailability. Supplementing with MCT oil is a valuable way to increase silicon bioavailability.

MCT oil is a dietary supplement made from medium-chain triglycerides, the fats naturally found in palm and coconut oil. MCTs are lighter, more easily digestible, and metabolized faster because their molecules are smaller than other types of fat.

MCT oil may also be a good source of energy. It contains fatty acids that reduce the growth of bacteria and yeast in vitro, has potential antimicrobial activity (25, 26), and may also help control blood sugar levels (27).

Bioavailability and delayed effect through surface activation

The SAM (Surface-Activated Minerals) process brings silicon dioxide back to life. A fascinating new technology from the Dr. Rilling Healthcare GmbH Institute makes it possible to convert silicon into its original, small-molecule form by activating its surface. Figuratively speaking, the reactive potential is released by the degradation of the macroscopic mineral silicon dioxide into silicic acid.

This significantly increases the surface area of ​​the silicon dioxide, and upon contact with water or body fluids, these units can dissolve as silicic acid molecules. This enables the resulting high bioavailability of SAM silicon in cells and tissue, noticeably increasing its effectiveness.

The secret of success: The silicon processed using this special process is converted into bioactive silicon with high surface activity. This allows the silica to be absorbed into the body and act on the cells. Biological processes such as cell formation, cell renewal, and cell metabolism can thus be activated and stabilized.

Regarding the safety of silicon, the FDA generally considers silicon dioxide safe for human consumption.

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