Silica benefits: more than just a beauty supplement | Healthylife

What is silica?

Silica, otherwise known as silicon dioxide, is the most abundant element in the earth’s crust. You’ll also find silica in many other places such as quartz, sand, toothpaste, cosmetics, and even in the sachets that absorb moisture in food packaging. 

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In humans, silica is an important mineral that may support connective tissue for healthy hair, skin, nails, bones and joints. Silica can also be obtained from the diet.

How silica works

Silica is essential for collagen formation and connective tissue strength. Collagen is like the glue that holds everything together and is a major component of everything from our skin to our bones. Silica is also involved in the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium which are important elements for maintaining healthy skeletal tissue. 

Silica in the body

In the human body silica is found in high concentrations in the connective tissues of tendons, bones, skin, hair, the windpipe and in major blood vessels like the aorta. To a lesser degree, silica is located in the liver, heart and muscles.

Silica in the diet

Large amounts of silica are found in plant foods, vegetables and whole grains. Dark leafy greens, onions, avocado, alfalfa, brown rice, potatoes and strawberries are also good sources. A traditional source of silica is from the herb horsetail which may be recommended for healthy hair, skin and nails.

What are the benefits of silica supplements?

Due to silica’s role in connective tissue and collagen, it may have the following benefits.

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Joint health

Collagen is vital to healthy joints, ligaments, and cartilage – where it lends strength and elasticity, so joints are more flexible, recover quicker, and are less prone to degeneration. Silica is involved in a number of processes that lead to the synthesis of glycoproteins and polysaccharides in the extracellular matrix of connective tissue. 

Bone health

According to a double-blind placebo-controlled study, after 12 months it was shown that combined therapy may have a beneficial effect on bone collagen, compared to taking calcium and vitamin D alone. This suggests that silica, when taken in combination with calcium and vitamin D is of potential use to support bone health. Silica may also be indicated in bone fractures to assist in bone repair and healing. If you need individual advice, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare professional.

Healthy hair, skin and nails

Your body needs silica to help form collagen, the protein responsible for keeping your skin smooth and elastic. 

Collagen then helps to support skin firmness, hair growth, nail strength and even healing of wounds. 

The different forms of silica supplements

There are several forms of silica that are collectively known as silicic acid. Most forms available on the Australian market are silicon dioxide (the same form present in our food) and colloidal silica. To date there is no clear evidence of any adverse health risks of silica supplementation, however, always talk to your healthcare professional before starting a new supplement routine. 

Summing up silica

• Silica is a mineral which is an important cross-linking agent in connective tissue
• This may help to support healthy skin, hair, joints and bones
• Silica is found in wholegrains and a range of plant foods 

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