In the morning on an empty stomach for best absorption With vitamin C — supports collagen synthesis Separately from calcium — they may compete for absorption

Silicon: The Essential Mineral for Skin, Hair, and

Q: Which Form of Silicon Is Best?

Natural form — found in drinking water and food Best bioavailability — directly absorbable Unstable — tends to polymerize and become poorly absorbable Stabilized form — using choline Most studied — majority of clinical studies use this form Best choice — high bioavailability, proven efficacy Dose: 5-10mg elemental silicon daily Natural source — bamboo stems contain up to 70% silicon More affordable than ch-OSA Lower bioavailability — silicon is partially in bound form Dose: 50-100mg bamboo extract daily Traditional — used for centuries Natural — contains 5-8% silicon Variable quality — depends on growing conditions Dose: 500-1000mg extract daily

Q: Who Benefits Most From Silicon Supplements?

Women over 40 — collagen production drops significantly after age 40 People with thinning hair — silicon supports hair follicle health Those wanting to support bone density — in addition to calcium and vitamin D Athletes — for connective tissue (tendons, ligaments) health People with brittle nails — silicon strengthens the nail plate Anyone wanting to slow skin aging — collagen and elastin support

What Is Silicon and Why Do We Need It?

Silicon is a trace element found naturally in our bodies (Jugdaohsingh, 2007) — in bones, skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues. Although silicon is not as widely recognized as calcium or magnesium, this mineral is increasingly drawing scientific attention for its important role in connective tissue health and collagen synthesis.

Silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth after oxygen, yet it is found in very small quantities in the body. Nevertheless, these small amounts are essential — without adequate silicon, skin elasticity deteriorates, hair becomes brittle, and bones lose density.

With age, silicon content in the body decreases significantly. The concentration of silicon in the bones and skin of 20-year-olds is considerably higher than in 60-year-olds. This decline coincides with many signs of aging — wrinkles, thinning hair, and brittle bones.

How Does Silicon Support Collagen Production?

Silicon's most important function in the body is supporting collagen synthesis. Collagen is the body's most abundant protein, making up approximately 30% of total protein content, and it is essential for the structural integrity of skin, bones, tendons, and blood vessels.

Silicon's role in collagen synthesis:

Activates prolyl hydroxylase — an enzyme needed for collagen stabilization
Supports cross-linking — strengthens collagen fiber structure
Promotes glycosaminoglycan synthesis — connective tissue ground substances like hyaluronic acid

Study (Jugdaohsingh et al., 2004, Framingham Heart Study):

2,847 participants aged 30-87
Higher dietary silicon intake was associated with higher bone mineral density in the hip
The effect was statistically significant among men and premenopausal women

Browse our collagen selection for the ideal combination with silicon.

Does Silicon Improve Skin, Hair, and Nail Health?

Silicon's effect on beauty is one of the primary reasons why this mineral has become a popular supplement.

Skin

Silicon supports skin health in multiple ways:

Collagen production — maintains structural strength of the skin
Elastin synthesis — ensures skin elasticity
Hyaluronic acid production — keeps skin hydrated

Study (Barel et al., 2005):

50 women received 10mg bioavailable silicon (ch-OSA) or placebo for 20 weeks
The silicon group showed significantly improved skin elasticity, smoothness, and firmness
Hair and nail quality also improved

Hair

Silicon is an important component of hair structure. Hair fibers contain silicon within their keratin structure. Adequate silicon ensures:

Shinier hair — smoother hair fiber surface
Stronger hair — reduced breakage and split ends
Better growth — supports hair follicle health

Study (Wickett et al., 2007):

48 women with fine hair received ch-OSA supplementation for 9 months
Hair became stronger and thicker
Hair morphology (shape and structure) improved significantly

Nails

Brittle and easily breaking nails are often a sign of silicon deficiency. Silicon supplementation supports:

Nail hardness and strength
Smoother surface (fewer ridges and cracks)
Faster growth

Which Form of Silicon Is Best?

Orthosilicic Acid (OSA)

Natural form — found in drinking water and food
Best bioavailability — directly absorbable
Unstable — tends to polymerize and become poorly absorbable

Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid (ch-OSA)

Stabilized form — using choline
Most studied — majority of clinical studies use this form
Best choice — high bioavailability, proven efficacy
Dose: 5-10mg elemental silicon daily

Bamboo Extract

Natural source — bamboo stems contain up to 70% silicon
More affordable than ch-OSA
Lower bioavailability — silicon is partially in bound form
Dose: 50-100mg bamboo extract daily

Horsetail Extract

Traditional — used for centuries
Natural — contains 5-8% silicon
Variable quality — depends on growing conditions
Dose: 500-1000mg extract daily

How Does Silicon Support Bone Health?

Silicon's role in bone health is increasingly recognized. In addition to calcium and vitamin D, silicon is needed for bone tissue mineralization and maintaining healthy bones.

Silicon's functions in bones:

Type I collagen synthesis — the main structural protein of bones
Mineralization support — helps calcium deposit into bones
Osteoblast stimulation — activating bone-forming cells
Osteoclast inhibition — suppressing bone-resorbing cells

Study (Spector et al., 2008):

184 postmenopausal women received ch-OSA + calcium/vitamin D vs calcium/vitamin D alone
The ch-OSA group showed significantly greater improvement in bone mineral density at the femoral neck
The effect was greatest among women who already had osteopenia

Also check our calcium products and vitamin D selection for a complete bone health program.

Dosing and Practical Guide

Recommended Doses

Goal	Form	Dose
Skin, hair, nail health	ch-OSA	5-10mg silicon daily
Bone health	ch-OSA	6-12mg silicon daily
General connective tissue support	Bamboo extract	50-100mg daily
Preventive health	Horsetail extract	500-1000mg daily

When to Take?

In the morning on an empty stomach for best absorption
With vitamin C — supports collagen synthesis
Separately from calcium — they may compete for absorption

Best Combinations

Silicon works synergistically with:

Collagen — silicon + collagen is a powerful duo for skin and bones
Vitamin C — needed for collagen synthesis
Biotin — supports hair and nail health
Vitamin D + calcium — complete bone health program

Explore our vitamin C and biotin selections.

Silicon-Rich Foods

Silicon is found naturally in many foods:

Whole grains — especially oats and barley (about 6mg per 100g)
Green beans — 2-3mg per 100g
Bananas — 5mg per banana
Lentils — 1-2mg per 100g
Spinach — 1mg per 100g
Beer — contains bioavailable silicon from barley (1-3mg per 330ml)
Mineral water — some sources contain significant silicon

However, the bioavailability of dietary silicon varies greatly and is often low, making supplementation a sensible choice.

Who Benefits Most From Silicon Supplements?

1. Women over 40 — collagen production drops significantly after age 40
2. People with thinning hair — silicon supports hair follicle health
3. Those wanting to support bone density — in addition to calcium and vitamin D
4. Athletes — for connective tissue (tendons, ligaments) health
5. People with brittle nails — silicon strengthens the nail plate
6. Anyone wanting to slow skin aging — collagen and elastin support

Side Effects and Safety

Silicon supplements are generally very well tolerated.

Possible side effects (rare):

Mild digestive discomfort
Headache (very rare)

Safety:

No official upper safe limit has been established, but studies show safety up to 50mg elemental silicon daily
People with kidney disease should consult a doctor
No known interactions with common medications

Summary

Silicon is a lesser-known but important mineral that deserves a place in every health program, especially for those who care about skin, hair, nail, and bone health.

Key points:

Collagen synthesis — silicon is needed for collagen and elastin production
ch-OSA is the most studied and best-absorbed form
Skin elasticity improves significantly according to studies
Hair strength and thickness increase with silicon supplementation
Bone density improves especially in postmenopausal women
Combines well with collagen, vitamin C, and biotin

Explore our collagen products and start supporting your connective tissues.

References

1. Jugdaohsingh R. (2007). Silicon and bone health. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 11(2), 99-110.
2. Barel A, Calomme M, Timchenko A, et al. (2005). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on skin, nails and hair in women with photodamaged skin. Archives of Dermatological Research, 297(4), 147-153.
3. Sripanyakorn S, Jugdaohsingh R, Thompson RPH, Powell JJ. (2009). Dietary silicon and bone health. Nutrition Bulletin, 34(2), 162-167.
4. Price CT, Koval KJ, Langford JR. (2013). Silicon: a review of its potential role in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2013, 316783.
5. Araújo LA, Addor F, Campos PM. (2016). Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 91(3), 331-335.

See also:

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