How Silicon Might Be Helpful In Forming Healthy Bones

How Silicon Might Be Helpful In Forming Healthy Bones
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.