Overview
Silicon, commonly found as silicon dioxide (SiO2), is a trace element that plays a role in bone and connective tissue health. Although not classified as an essential nutrient for humans, emerging evidence suggests it contributes to bone mineralization by enhancing collagen cross-linking and glycosaminoglycan formation, which improves bone strength and mechanical properties [2]. Studies in ovariectomized rat models of osteoporosis show that oral silicon supplementation significantly increases bone mineral density in the femur and lumbar vertebrae, suggesting potential utility in postmenopausal bone loss prevention [2][3][4][5]. Additionally, silicon may protect against aluminum absorption, potentially reducing aluminum accumulation in the brain—a factor implicated in Alzheimer’s disease [1]. The bioavailability of silicon depends on its form, with stabilized orthosilicic acid showing superior absorption over polymerized forms [6]. Furthermore, colloidal silicon dioxide has demonstrated efficacy as an enterosorbent in acute diarrhea, likely due to its high surface area and adsorptive properties [8].
Dosage Guide
Recommended Daily Allowance
For generally healthy individuals
Therapeutic Doses
For treatment of specific conditions
Upper Intake Limit
Maximum safe daily intake
750 mg— Based on silica (SiO2) GRAS status; extremely high doses may cause gastrointestinal irritation or silicosis with chronic inhalation, not oral intake
Special Forms
Alternative forms for specific needs
High-bioavailability form for bone and connective tissue support
Used as an enterosorbent in gastrointestinal conditions like acute diarrhea
Clinical Notes
- No established RDA for silicon, but typical dietary intakes range from 10–50 mg/day; supplementation is generally safe at recommended doses.
- High-dose long-term safety not fully established; avoid excessive intake, particularly in nanoparticle form, due to limited chronic exposure data.
- Colloidal silicon dioxide is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for oral use as an anti-caking agent and enterosorbent.
- Silicon supplements may reduce aluminum absorption, which could be beneficial in high-aluminum exposure contexts.
- Monitor for potential accumulation in tissues with very long-term, high-dose use, though oral bioavailability is low.
Research
Silicon may prevent aluminum absorption and brain retention, suggesting a protective role in Alzheimer's disease.
Silicon supports bone health via collagen cross-linking; review suggests potential benefit for bone mineral density in humans.
Silicon supplementation prevented bone mass loss in ovariectomized rats.
Oral silicon supplementation increased serum silicon levels and was positively associated with bone mineral density in female rats, possibly interacting with estradiol.
Short-term water-soluble silicon improved femur and tibia mineral density in ovariectomized rats.
Nanoparticles of SiO2 are present in some dietary supplements; detection methods were developed to assess consumer exposure.
Orthosilicic acid stabilized with vanillin showed significantly higher bioavailability compared to unstabilized forms.
Colloidal silicon dioxide in tablet form reduced symptoms of acute diarrhea in a randomized clinical trial, supporting its use as an enterosorbent.
Products Containing Silicon Dioxide(0 reports)
No reports found containing this ingredient yet.