• First, a few words about silicon
• Bone Structure, Osteoporosis
• hair skin and nails
• cycle
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Silicon Supplements
• SUMMARY:
• BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Silicon has attracted particular interest from people struggling with osteoporosis. It has also been reported that the intake is combined with boron and iodine, but why and what mechanisms occur in the body that its supplementation is beneficial? I will try to answer this and other discounts in this article.

First a few words on the subject silicon

It is one of the chemical elements in the periodic table (Mendeleev table) denoted with the symbol "Si". It is the second most abundant element on earth after oxygen. It's part of a compound called silica (SiO ₂ ) and forms what is commonly known as "sand". Glass is formed from silicon dioxide, which is exposed to high temperatures, and molded into various shapes to create everyday objects. That's not all. Silicon is also one of the so-called minerals. Humans do not need it in such large amounts as, for example, calcium, potassium or magnesium, but we still need it for the proper structure and function of the body. To date, human silicon requirements have not been determined, and maximum and minimum doses have not been established. It is estimated that the daily intake of this element should be around 10-25 mg per day, but this needs confirmation. Although there are not many studies on the properties of silicon for the human body, mainly due to the difficulty in determining it, many of them are extremely promising [1] [2].

The main sources of dietary silicon include: green peas, bananas, strawberries, mineral water (the highest concentration of silicon in ordinary mineral waters is found in Kryniczanka, Cisowianka , Arctic , Nałęczowianka and Muszynianka waters, as well as Nestle Aquarel and Białowieża spring waters - silicon content over 10 mg/dm ³ ) , and herbs, e.g. B. horsetail, nettle [2] [3].

Bone Structure, Osteoporosis

silicon is involved in the process of ossification, e.g. through the differentiation of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and the synthesis of collagen type I, which is involved in the metabolism of connective tissue and cartilage. In addition, the effect of silicon on the metabolism of calcium and magnesium is observed. This is particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women who have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis due to the often observed inadequate intake of calcium and magnesium. Silicon increases the concentration of these two elements. In addition, it has been observed that silicon has a positive effect on bone healing after fractures. Therefore, benefits are seen in silicon supplementation to improve bone mineral density (BMD). However, it should be noted that there are no precise guidelines on the recommended amount of silicon yet, so overdosing is very likely. More research is needed to provide detailed dietary recommendations [3][4][5][6].

hair skin and nails

Horsetail is often added to shampoos to strengthen hair and prevent hair loss. It owes its properties to silicon, which has a positive effect on the structure of the skin, hair and nails, strengthening them thanks to a synergistic effect with vitamin C on the synthesis of collagen fibers, elastin and hyaluronic acid. It smoothes expression lines and reduces the visibility of UV spots. It also improves the processes occurring in the skin, which is used, for example, in the treatment of acne. It supports the treatment of skin inflammation and accelerates the peeling and regeneration of the epidermis. [2][4][7][8][9].

cycle

Atherogenesis (development of atherosclerosis) is the progressive process of atherosclerotic plaque formation until it ruptures and causes atherosclerosis. This process is particularly dependent on the appropriate diet, particularly the amount and type of fats in the diet. With regard to silicon, it is believed that it can inhibit this process and thus prevent the development of the disease. This is still being researched, so the clarification and confirmation of this connection remains to be seen [2] [6].

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Researchers followed a group of elderly people for 15 years to study the link between drinking water containing aluminum and silicon and dementia. At the end of the study, it was concluded that the consumption of water containing aluminum (aluminum) had a positive effect on the onset of dementia, while the opposite was observed with silicon. This means that silicon can play an important role in preventing Alzheimer's disease. In addition, silicon counteracts the toxic effects of aluminum on the body by reducing its absorption and therefore its concentration, which is why in a situation with high aluminum concentration in the body it is recommended to increase silicon levels [8]. [9][10][11].

Silicon Supplements

The most analyzed and most widely used form of silicon in dietary supplements is MMST (Monomethylsilanetriol) – organic silicon. According to research, its use is effective and safe. Used according to the manufacturer's instructions, it has no side effects [9] [12].

Another chemical form of silicon found in dietary supplements is silicic acid and orthosilicic acid (H ₄ It's not ₄ ) – they are considered to be one of the most absorbable by the human body [4] [6] [11].

In dietary supplements, silicon is often combined with boron. The reason for this is the synergistic effect of these elements. Boron supports the absorption of silicon and increases its effectiveness.

SUMMARY:

silicon is an element to which special attention should be paid if there is an increased risk of osteoporosis. By stimulating collagen synthesis, it affects bone structure, builds connective tissue and cartilage, and strengthens blood vessel walls to prevent atherosclerosis. This element has a beneficial effect on the appearance and structure of the skin, hair and nails. There are also reports of positive effects of silicon such as preventing dementia.

This article is informative and does not preclude consulting a doctor, nutritionist or pharmacist to customize supplementation.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

1. https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon July 24, 2021
2. Prescha A., Zabłocka K., Naduk J., Grajeta H.: Mineral and spring waters and fruit juices as a source of silicon in food; ANNUAL PZH 2011, 62, No. 3, 289 – 293
3. Białokoz- Kalinowska I., Konstantynowicz J., Abramowicz P., Piotrowska-Jastrzębska J.: Nutrition in the prevention of osteoporosis - recommendations and controversies; Pediatrician Med Genesis 2013, 9(4), pp. 350-356
4. Boguszewska-Czubara A., Pasternak K.: Silicon in medicine and treatment; Journal of Elementology 2011, 16(3): 489–497
5. Boguszewska- Czubara A., Hordyjewska A., Pasterniak K. und andere: The Level of Calcium and Magnesium in Blood
   of Rats receiving Various doses of silicon ; Erw Klin exp Med 2011, 20, 6, 677-682
6. Wiśniewski J.: The role of silicon and sulfur in connective tissue diseases. Part II; Farm Pol, 2018, 74(3): 155-157
7. Dawidziak J., Balcerkiewicz M.: Diet as a supplement to the treatment of acne vulgaris ( Acne vulgaris ); Contemporary Pharmacy 2016, 9:1-5
8. Błecha K.: Excessive hair loss - rational phytotherapy and dietary supplements; After Fitoter 2021 ; 22(1): 70-73
9. Ferreira AO, Freire ES, Polonini HC and others: Anti-aging Effects of Monomethylsilanetriol and Maltodextrin-Stabilized Orthosilic Acid on Nails, Skin and Hair; Cosmetics 2018, 5 (3), 41
10. Rondeau V, Jacqmin-Gadda H, Commenges D, Helmer C, Dartigues J, F: Aluminum and silica in drinking water and the risk of Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline: results of the 15-year follow-up of the PAQUID cohort. Am. J. Epidemiol. 2009, 169, 489-496
11. Węglarzy K., Bereza M.: Biological importance of silicon and its interactions with other elements; Zootechnical News, R. XLV (2007), 4: 67-70
12. Jugdaohsingh R, Hui M, Anderson SH et al.: The Silicon Supplement 'Monomethylsilanetriol' is Safe and Increases the Body Pool of Silicon in Healthy Premenopausal Women. nutr . metab . (Lon.) 2013; 10:37-39.