What are the benefits of silicon for beauty and health?

Author: Nina Devrnja, PhD of Biology

Silicon is the second most abundant element in nature after oxygen and the third most abundant trace element in the human body (8). Silicon is rarely found in pure form in nature, but mainly as oxygen-containing Silica (silicon dioxide, SiO2) and silicates (other compounds containing silicon and oxygen). The use of silica is widespread in the food and beverage industry, where it is used as a food additive, anti-foaming 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 intake of silica in the Western population is about 20-50 mg/day, while the estimate for China or India is about 200 mg/day (3, 4, 5).

What are the health benefits of silicon?

Although silicon was not recognised as a prominent nutrient for humans for a long time, nowadays there is a growing interest in its positive effects on human health. There are studies supporting a possible role for silicon in atherosclerosis and hypertension, diabetes, bone and connective tissue diseases, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's) and other ailments that are particularly prevalent in the elderly population.

In the human body, silicon is present in concentrations of 1-10 ppm in Hair, Nails and the epidermis of the Skin present (9). Most of the silicon present in the blood is filtered by the kidneys. The levels of silicon in the blood correlate with the levels in the urine (24).

Silicon is a Mineralwhich plays an important role in bone formation. Osteoporosis is a major cause of mortality in the elderly. It is defined as a progressive skeletal disorder characterised by low bone mass and bone deterioration (10). Calcium and vitamin D have been the focus of dietary prevention of osteoporosis, but also the Silicon supplementation has been increasingly researched after several studies in animals showed dysfunctions in bone and connective tissue (11, 12).

The study by Moukarzel et al. has shown a direct correlation between silicon intake and bone mineral density (13). Another clinical study (Eisinger and Clairet (14)) confirms that dietary silicon administration induces 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 Oestrogen, the Bone health and the Silicon metabolism was researched by Macdonald and his colleagues. They concluded that dietary silicon interacts with oestrogen and thus positively influences bone health (16).

Some researchers suggest that silica protects against aluminium by reducing its 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 aluminium in the urine in both the control group and the group of Alzheimer's patients. An increase in cognitive performance was observed in 20% of the participants (17).

Does silicon help with hair growth?

Collagen fibres are essential components of the 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 to regenerate tissues. Silicon is crucial for the optimal synthesis of collagen, and a silicon deficiency could lead to a decreased Skin elasticity and wound healing.

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

One study (Akazaki and co-workers) showed that collagen degradation in the skin after the age of 21 is about 1 % per year, resulting in loss of skin elasticity, reduction in thickness and depth of wrinkles (21). Unfortunately, these changes are even more pronounced after menopause, causing about 30% of collagen loss in the skin 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 be used as a potential means of improving and Prevention of skin ageing serve.

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

How safe are dietary supplements with silicon?

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

Silicon supplements usually 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 already mentioned, elemental silicon exists primarily as silicon dioxide/silicic acid. As it is poorly soluble in water, it has poor bioavailability. Supplementation with MCT oil is a valuable way to increase the bioavailability of silicon.

MCT oil is a dietary supplement consisting of medium-chain triglycerides, the fats found naturally in palm and coconut oil. MCTs are lighter, easily digested and metabolised more quickly because their molecules are smaller relative to the other types of fat.

MCT oil could 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 could also help control blood glucose levels (27).

Bioavailability and retarding effect through surface activation

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

This significantly increases the surface area of the silicon dioxide and in contact with water or body fluids, these units can dissolve as silicic acid molecules. The resulting high bioavailability of the SAM silicon in the cell and in the tissue is made possible in this way and its effectiveness is noticeably increased.

The secret of success: The silicon processed with this special procedure is transformed into bioactive silicon with high surface activity. As a result, the silicic acid is actually absorbed in the body and can act in the cells. Biological processes such as cell build-up, cell renewal and cell metabolism can thus be activated and stabilised.

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

Sources:

4. Jugdaohsingh, S. H. Anderson, K. L. Tucker, H. Elliott, D. P. Kiel, R. P. Thompson, J. J. Powell, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2002, 75, 887-893.
5. Chen, P. Cole, L. Wen, Comm. Int. Nutr. 1994, 124, 196-201.
6. Jugdaohsingh, J. Nutr. Health Aging 2007, 11, 99-110.
7. Barel, M. Calomme, A. Timchenko, K. De Paepe, N. Demeester, V. Rogiers, P. Clarys, D. Vanden Berghe, Arch. Dermatol. Res. 2005, 297, 147-153.
8. Jugdaohsingh, S. H. Anderson, K. L. Tucker, H. Elliott, D. P. Kiel, R. P. Thompson, J. J. Powell, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2002, 75, 887-893.
9. L. Smith, Trace Elements in Man and Animals, Vol. 8, Eds M. Anke, D. Meissner, C. F. Mills, Kluwer, New York, 1993, 1091-1093.
10. Russell, Rheum. Dis. Clin. North Am. 2010, 36, 665-680.
11. Carlisle, J. Nutr. 1980, 110, 352-359.
12. Carlisle, J. Nutr. 1980, 110, 1046-1056.
13. Moukarzel, M. Song, A. Buchman, M. Ament, J. Am. Coll. Nutr. 1992, 11, 584.
14. Eisinger, D. Clairet, Magnesium Res. 1993, 6, 247-249.
15. Spector, M. Calomme, S. Anderson, R. Swaminathan, R. Jugdaohsingh, C. Van Hoorebeke, J. Powell, J. Bone Mineral Res. 2005, 20, S172.
16. Macdonald, A. Hardcastle, R. Jugdaohsingh, W. Fraser, D. Reid, J. Powell, Bone 2012, 50, 681-687.
17. Davenward, P. Bentham, J. Wright, P. Crome, D. Job, A. Polwart, C. Exley, J. Alzheimer's Dis. 2013, 33, 423-430.
18. Wickett, E. Kossmann, A. Barel , N. Demeester, P.Clarys, D. Vanden Berghe, et al. Arch Dermatol Res. 2007, 299, 499-505.
19. Sripanyakorn, R. Jugdaohsingh, W. Dissayabutr, SH. Anderson, RP. Thompson, JJ. Powel, Br J Nutr. 2009, 102, 825-34.
20. Fanian, S. Mac-Mary, A. Jeudy, T. Lihoreau, R. Messikh, JP. Ortonne, et al. Clin Interv Aging. 2013, 8, 1527-37.
21. Akazaki, H. Nakagawa, H. Kazama, O. Osanai, M. Kawai, Y. Takema, et al. Br J Dermatol. 2002, 147, 689-95.
22. Sumino, S. Ichikawa, M. Abe, Y. Endo, O. Ishikawa, M. Kurabayashi, J Am Geriatr Soc. 2004, 52, 945-9.
23. Shuster S, Med Hypotheses. 2005, 65, 426-32.
24. Berlyne, AJ Adler, N. Ferran, S. Bennett, J. Holt. Silicon metabolism, Nephron, 1986, 43, 5-9.
25. Ogbolu, AA. Oni, OA. Daini, AP. Oloko, J Med Food. 2007, 10, 384-7.
26. Shilling, L. Matt, E. Rubin, MP. Visitacion, NA. Haller, SF. Grey, CJ, J Med Food. 2013, 16, 1079-85.
27. Eckel, AS. Hanson, AY. Chen, JN. Berman, TJ. Yost, EP. Brass, Diabetes. 1992, 41, 641-7.

 

Photos:

Averie woodard on Unsplash

Tim Mossholder from Pexels