Silica for the body

Silicon for stable bones and joints

The bone that make up our skeleton is constantly being created and replaced by the body. In a healthy body, these processes are in balance so that the same amount of bone tissue is always being formed and removed (equilibrium of bone metabolism). There is a balance between the cells that form the bone (osteoblasts) and the cells that break it down (osteoclasts). If the balance is in sync, the same amount of bone mass is constantly being formed as is being removed. The bones, and thus the skeleton, are constantly being renewed to maintain stability and flexibility. The body can adapt to changing environmental influences and we can move freely.

Certain components necessary for bone metabolism (bone remodeling) can only be obtained from food because these substances cannot be produced by the body itself.

These are called essential components.

They include essential minerals, trace elements, and vitamins.

Bone metabolism requires, for example, vitamin D, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Another necessary, essential trace element is silicon. The human body contains approximately 1 g to 2 g of silicon, which makes it the third most common trace element in the body after the minerals iron and zinc (physiologically important trace elements). Today we know that as a trace element, silicon has a positive effect on bone metabolism and promotes the absorption and use of other minerals and trace elements. Numerous studies have been conducted, which show that silicon has a positive impact on the synthesis of the bone matrix and also stimulates the process, meaning that an increase in bone mass can be detected by measuring bone density. Conversely, studies have shown that a shortage of silicon leads to poorly formed bones and reduced bone mass, which it was possible to compensate for through an increased silicon intake.

Silicon is involved in bone formation in terms of the synthesis and/or stabilization of collagen. Collagen plays an important structural role in the composition and elasticity of bones and connective tissue. Collagen fibers are formed which, together with the bone minerals, constitute the main component of the organic part of bones, and give bone tissue the necessary tensile strength and elasticity.

Another important component of the skeleton are the joints.

Joints comprise both bone and cartilage. As with bone metabolism, cartilage is in a regulated balance between cartilage being formed and removed. The articular cartilage is attached to the bones of the joint and comprises collagen fibers that form a mesh of connective tissue.

Collagen is a structural protein found in humans and animals. In areas where collagen is formed for bones and cartilage, there are high concentrations of silicon and other minerals that promote the formation of collagen. Silicon is involved in the early stages of bone, cartilage, and connective tissue formation, and is necessary as a trace element. The highest silicon concentrations have been detected in bones and connective tissue such as skin, nails, blood vessels, and cartilage.

If the metabolism of bone and cartilage formation is impaired, it can lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis and joint disorders such as osteoarthritis.

Silicon for healthy, shiny hair

Hair is formed from hair roots located in the scalp. The hair roots are surrounded by hair follicles that supply the roots with nutrients. The hair follicles are anchored in the skin (dermis) by collagen, and they comprise connective tissue known as the papilla (papilla pili) and the root sheath. To keep hair healthy and prevent hair loss, the scalp must be healthy and supplied with nutrients.

Silicon is involved in the synthesis and/or stabilization of collagen. Silicon promotes the formation of collagen and thus helps to keep the scalp taut and elastic, as well as maintaining a good supply of moisture.

Silicon for smooth skin and shiny, hard nails

Silicon activates enzymes that promote the cross-linking of collagen, which improves the strength and elasticity of connective tissue. It speeds up the formation of connective tissue fibers, collagen, and elastin, which gives the skin its elasticity and firmness. Another important property of silicon is its ability to bind a large amount of water. If the connective tissue is well supplied with silicon, the skin is kept naturally moist and has a healthy, elastic structure.

The toenails and fingernails are formed in the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis. Thus, the formation of healthy toenails and fingernails is directly linked to skin metabolism. If the skin is healthy and the cross-linking of collagen is functioning correctly, a strong and elastic nail structure is also formed. It is important that the mineral concentration of silicon is correct because it is involved in the formation process and promotes healthy nail growth.

Silicon absorption

Silicon is usually present in food in the form of relatively large silicon molecules and compounds. Most of the silicon from these sources is excreted again because it has poor bioavailability and cannot be utilized by the body.

In order for the body to utilize the silicon, it first has to be converted into a bioavailable form, or taken into the body in a form that can already be used. Optimal absorption can occur if the silicon is in a soluble and absorbable form. Bioavailability is generally higher if the silicon is in the form of a hydrolyzed, colloidal compound because this can be directly absorbed by the body. Insoluble forms are only partially converted into a usable form by the body, while the rest is excreted, meaning that most of the silicon remains unused.