What is silica, and how does it work in the body?
Silica (silicon dioxide, SiO₂) is the natural mineral form of silicon—the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. In the body, silicon (Si) is present in small amounts (7 g in adults)—concentrated in the skin, bones, blood vessels, thyroid, and lungs. It plays a role in collagen synthesis, bone mineralization, and the structuring of connective tissues. Our line of remineralizing supplements and our hair and nail beauty formulas incorporate silica in its most bioavailable forms.
- Collagen synthesis: Silica is a cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase—an enzyme essential for stabilizing collagen triple helices—without silica, the stabilizing bonds in collagen (hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine) do not form properly → fragile connective tissue
- Bone mineralization: Silicon promotes the precipitation of hydroxyapatite crystals in the bone matrix—activates osteoblasts—inhibits osteoclasts—works synergistically with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D3 to support bone health
- Keratin in hair and nails: Silicon is involved in the synthesis of keratin—the structural protein of hair, nails, and the stratum corneum—deficiency → brittle nails + fragile hair + dull skin
- Blood vessels: silicon maintains the elasticity of the arterial wall (collagen + vascular elastin) — its concentration in the arteries decreases with age — possible link to age-related arterial stiffness
- Decline with age: tissue silicon decreases by 80% between the ages of 20 and 80 — correlated with the aging of the skin (wrinkles), joints (osteoarthritis), and bones (osteoporosis) — supplementation is recommended starting at age 40–50
Dietary and plant sources of bioavailable silica
- Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense): the plant richest in bioavailable organic silica (5–8% silica) — herbal tea or standardized dry extract — remineralizing + mild diuretic — effective for brittle nails, hair loss, and bone fragility — Contraindications: kidney failure
- Tabashir bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea): extract from the inner part of bamboo nodes — 70–90% organic silica — high bioavailability — anti-aging effects on skin, hair, and joints — the go-to plant in beauty silica formulas
- Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): rich in silica, iron, calcium, and magnesium—herbal tea or dry extract capsules—complete synergistic mineral effect—remineralizing for hair, nails, and bones—see our nail care line
- Whole grains, oats, millet, parsnips, leeks: phytic silica with low bioavailability vs. organic silica from medicinal plants — modest but consistent dietary contribution
- Silicate-rich mineral waters: certain mineral waters (Volvic: 31 mg/L of SiO₂) provide silica in a soluble form that is very well absorbed — a regular contribution to daily intake
Supplement forms and topical gel
- Liquid organic silica (oral solution): the most bioavailable form for the body—10–30 mL/day for a 3–6-week course—to be taken on an empty stomach or with a large glass of water—systemic action (bones, joints, skin, hair)
- Horsetail or bamboo extract capsules: standardized for silicon (5–7 mg Si/capsule) — 1–2 capsules/day with meals — convenient for long-term use — to be combined with hair loss prevention supplements
- Silica gel for external use: hydrocolloidal gel formula — joint and muscle pain (topical application, soothing and decongestant effect) — healing of superficial wounds and burns (accelerates epidermal regeneration) — bruises, sprains, and tendonitis — massage into the painful area 2–3 times a day
- Silica powder (amorphous SiO₂): dietary supplement—caution: fine crystalline silica powder (quartz, cristobalite) is irritating to the lungs if inhaled—use only amorphous forms approved for oral use
- Silica-enriched waters: certain homeopathic and oligotherapeutic preparations offer silica in ionic form — check the label for silicon content — low dosage but optimal bioavailability
Targeted uses, interactions, and precautions
- Hair and Nail Beauty: Silica regimen (bamboo or horsetail) for at least 3 months—visible effects on hair texture and strength begin after 6–8 weeks—combine with biotin, zinc, and cysteine for complete keratin synergy—explore our range of hair and nail beauty supplements
- Osteoporosis and bone fragility: silica + calcium + magnesium + vitamins D3 and K2 — silica enhances calcium absorption into the bone matrix — improvements in bone density observed after 6 months of continuous treatment
- Topical silica gel: non-occlusive application—compatible with topical pain relievers—do not use on deep open wounds—avoid mucous membranes and eyes
- Drug interactions: Dietary fiber and silica may slightly reduce the absorption of oral medications → space out by 2 hours — oral anticoagulants: consult a doctor (horsetail may enhance the anticoagulant effect)
- Precautions: Renal insufficiency (silica is filtered by the kidneys → contraindicated in cases of chronic kidney disease) — pregnancy and breastfeeding (use with caution; consult a doctor) — amorphous dietary silica is well tolerated, unlike crystalline silica (pneumoconiosis if chronically inhaled in the workplace)
