Silicon

Description

Silicon, often found as silicic acid or orthosilicic acid (OSA) in its bioavailable form, is a trace mineral recognized for its crucial role in the structural integrity and health of various body tissues. Although not as widely known as other minerals, it is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust and is increasingly valued for its biological significance in human health. It acts primarily as a cross-linking agent and is involved in the synthesis and stabilization of connective tissues. This essential mineral is particularly beneficial for bone formation and maintenance, contributing to the mineralization process and aiding in the synthesis of collagen, a fundamental protein for bone matrix. Beyond skeletal health, silicon is vital for the health of skin, hair, and nails, where it supports the production of collagen and elastin, enhancing skin elasticity and hydration, and strengthening keratin structures in hair and nails. Due to its wide-ranging involvement in connective tissue health, silicon is considered important for supporting overall structural integrity and youthful appearance. Adequate silicon intake can contribute to strong bones, resilient skin, and robust hair and nails, making it a valuable component for those seeking to support their body's structural framework and outward vitality from within.

Sources
Whole grains (oats, barley, rice)Green beansLeafy green vegetablesRoot vegetablesBananasApplesOrangesHorsetail herbMineral water
Cheapest Silicon Supplements
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Best Silicon supplements
Discover the best silicon supplements for supporting nail, bone, joint, skin, and hair health.
Value Silicon supplements
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Timing & Intake
Anytime
Silicon supplements are generally well-tolerated and can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Taking it with food may help prevent potential, though rare, mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
Optimal Dosage
Minimum5 mg
Maximum20 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Goals
Nail Health
Nail Health
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose:5–30 mg
Silicon, often consumed as orthosilicic acid or from sources like bamboo or horsetail extract, is vital for the structural integrity of the nail plate. It helps to cross-link keratin strands, which may decrease brittleness and improve nail surface quality.
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Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:10–50 mg
Silicon is a trace mineral that plays a key role in the formation and stabilization of collagen. It activates hydroxylating enzymes involved in collagen synthesis, leading to improved skin strength, elasticity, and hydration. It is often supplemented as orthosilicic acid or from botanical sources like bamboo or horsetail.
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Hair Health
Hair Health
Impact
Moderate effect
Typical dose:5–20 mg
Silicon is a trace mineral concentrated in connective tissues. It plays a structural role in forming collagen and is integrated into the hair shaft, contributing to its tensile strength, thickness, and elasticity. Supplementing directly with a bioavailable form of silicon can help improve hair quality and reduce breakage.
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Bone Health
Bone Health
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:5–40 mg
Silicon, often supplemented as orthosilicic acid, is concentrated in areas of active bone growth. It is thought to play a role in collagen synthesis and in the early stages of bone calcification, contributing to overall bone strength and health.
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Joint Health
Joint Health
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:5–40 mg
Silicon, often from sources like bamboo or horsetail extract, is required for the enzyme prolyl hydroxylase, which is essential for collagen formation. It cross-links collagen strands, increasing the strength and integrity of cartilage, bone, and tendons.
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Product stats
Price per product
Average$24.23
Median$20.47
Price per serving
Average$0.58
Median$0.51
Price per 1 mg
Average$0.12
Median$0.06
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 1 mg
Reference amount: 1 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
Silicon Dioxide (16)40
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) is the most abundant compound in the Earth's crust. While silicon is an essential trace mineral, supplemental silicon dioxide, especially in its inorganic, crystalline form, exhibits very low bioavailability and is not efficiently absorbed or utilized by the human body for systemic health benefits. It is frequently employed as an anti-caking agent in foods and supplements.
Pros
  • Abundant and inexpensive
  • Commonly used as an anti-caking agent
Cons
  • Very low bioavailability for human absorption and utilization
  • Not an effective form for supplementing silicon for health benefits
Per product
Avg$18.49
Med$17.07
Per serving
Avg$0.63
Med$0.57
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.05
Med$0.03
Price distribution
Horsetail extract (9)65
Horsetail extract is derived from the *Equisetum arvense* plant, which naturally accumulates significant amounts of silica. It is a traditional botanical remedy often used for its perceived benefits in strengthening hair, skin, and nails, and supporting bone health due to its natural silicon content. The bioavailability of silicon from horsetail can vary depending on the extract's standardization and processing.
Pros
  • Natural plant-based source of silica
  • Traditional use for beauty and connective tissue health
  • Contains other beneficial plant compounds
Cons
  • Bioavailability of silicon can be inconsistent and lower compared to highly bioavailable forms like ch-OSA
  • Contains thiaminase, which can degrade thiamine (Vitamin B1) if consumed in very large quantities or for prolonged periods
  • May contain nicotine alkaloids in some species
Per product
Avg$22.59
Med$16.76
Per serving
Avg$0.39
Med$0.33
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.03
Med$0.03
Price distribution
Choline-stabilized Orthosilicic Acid (7)90
Choline-stabilized Orthosilicic Acid (ch-OSA) is a patented form of silicon that has been stabilized with choline to prevent polymerization, ensuring superior bioavailability. This allows the body to effectively absorb and utilize elemental silicon, which is crucial for collagen formation, bone mineralization, and the health of connective tissues, skin, hair, and nails. It is considered one of the most effective supplemental forms of silicon due to extensive research.
Pros
  • Clinically proven high bioavailability and absorption
  • Extensively researched for efficacy across multiple health goals
  • Effective for collagen formation, bone density, skin, hair, and nail health
Cons
  • Can be more expensive than other forms
  • May contain choline, which some individuals might need to consider regarding total choline intake
Per product
Avg$34.41
Med$33.18
Per serving
Avg$0.62
Med$0.59
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.13
Med$0.12
Price distribution
Bamboo (5)62
Bamboo refers to the raw or minimally processed plant material, such as bamboo shoots or leaves. It naturally contains organic silica, which contributes to its traditional use in supporting skin, hair, and nail health, as well as bone and joint integrity. While a rich source, the concentration of bioavailable silicon can be less consistent and potentially lower in raw bamboo compared to standardized extracts.
Pros
  • Natural, plant-based source of silica
  • Contains other beneficial plant compounds
Cons
  • Variable silica content, potentially less concentrated and less consistent bioavailability compared to standardized extracts
  • Raw forms may not be as potent or effective as concentrated extracts
Per product
Avg$61.20
Med$56.00
Per serving
Avg$1.16
Med$1.23
Per 10 mg
Avg$0.89
Med$0.67
Price distribution
Bamboo extract (4)70
Bamboo extract, typically derived from the leaves and stems of bamboo plants (e.g., *Bambusa vulgaris*), is an exceptional natural source of silica, often containing a higher percentage of elemental silicon (up to 70-75% silica by weight) compared to other plant sources. It is prized for its ability to support collagen synthesis and strengthen connective tissues, making it beneficial for skin elasticity, hair growth, and nail integrity.
Pros
  • Very high natural silica content (often highest among plant sources)
  • Plant-based source
  • Traditionally used for beauty and health
Cons
  • Bioavailability can vary depending on the extract's standardization and processing
  • Less extensive human clinical trial data compared to ch-OSA specifically for its silicon benefits
Per product
Avg$27.26
Med$26.88
Per serving
Avg$0.91
Med$0.89
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.24
Med$0.22
Price distribution
Horsetail (4)60
Horsetail refers to the raw, dried herb of *Equisetum arvense*. It contains naturally occurring silica, which is believed to contribute to its traditional uses for strengthening hair, skin, and nails, and supporting bone health. As a raw herb, the concentration of active compounds, including silicon, can vary more significantly than with standardized extracts, potentially leading to less consistent effects. It also possesses diuretic properties.
Pros
  • Natural plant source
  • Traditional use for beauty and connective tissue health
Cons
  • Variable silicon content, potentially lower and less consistent bioavailability than extracts
  • Diuretic effect may not be desired for all users
  • Contains thiaminase, which can degrade thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Per product
Avg$29.44
Med$29.98
Per serving
Avg$0.44
Med$0.44
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.27
Med$0.27
Price distribution
Silica (3)50
Silica is a broad term for compounds containing silicon and oxygen, with silicon dioxide (SiO2) being the most common form. While silicon is an essential mineral, the term 'silica' on a supplement label can be ambiguous. Without further specification (e.g., 'choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid' or 'bamboo extract standardized for silica'), it often implies a less bioavailable form like inorganic silicon dioxide, which is poorly absorbed. However, it can also refer to the silicon content of plant-based sources. Its effectiveness for health goals depends entirely on the specific form provided.
Pros
  • Refers to the fundamental mineral essential for various bodily processes
Cons
  • Ambiguous term, often indicating a poorly bioavailable form if not further specified
  • Low absorption in many general or unspecified forms
Per product
Avg$19.80
Med$20.32
Per serving
Avg$0.27
Med$0.27
Per 10 mg
Avg$0.32
Med$0.33
Price distribution
Algae (2)68
Some forms of algae, especially diatoms and certain microalgae, are known to accumulate high concentrations of silica within their cell walls. This biogenic silica is often in a more hydrated and potentially more bioavailable form than synthetic silicon dioxide. Algae-derived silica is gaining interest as a sustainable and natural source for nutritional supplements, offering benefits for bone, skin, hair, and nail health.
Pros
  • Natural and sustainable source of silica
  • Potentially good bioavailability depending on the specific algae type and processing
  • May contain other beneficial nutrients from the algae
Cons
  • Bioavailability can vary significantly between different species of algae and extraction methods
  • Research on specific algae-derived silicon for human health is less extensive than ch-OSA
Per product
Avg$29.44
Med$29.44
Per serving
Avg$1.34
Med$1.34
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.61
Med$0.61
Price distribution
Living Silica (2)88
Living Silica is a brand name often associated with specific, highly bioavailable forms of organic silicon, such as monomethylsilanetriol (MMST). These forms are engineered to be easily absorbed and utilized by the body, offering superior cellular penetration compared to inorganic silica. It is promoted for its efficacy in supporting collagen and elastin production, which benefits skin, hair, nails, joints, and bone health. The term emphasizes its organic, biologically active nature.
Pros
  • High bioavailability and absorption, designed for optimal biological activity
  • Often supported by proprietary research demonstrating efficacy
Cons
  • Typically more expensive due to proprietary formulations and advanced processing
  • May have less independent, peer-reviewed research specifically under the 'Living Silica' brand compared to ch-OSA, though underlying forms like MMST are well-regarded
Per product
Avg$17.49
Med$17.49
Per serving
Avg$0.41
Med$0.41
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.10
Med$0.10
Price distribution
organic Bamboo extract (1)70
Bamboo extract, typically derived from the leaves and stems of bamboo plants (e.g., *Bambusa vulgaris*), is an exceptional natural source of silica, often containing a higher percentage of elemental silicon (up to 70-75% silica by weight) compared to other plant sources. It is prized for its ability to support collagen synthesis and strengthen connective tissues, making it beneficial for skin elasticity, hair growth, and nail integrity.
Pros
  • Very high natural silica content (often highest among plant sources)
  • Plant-based source
  • Traditionally used for beauty and health
Cons
  • Bioavailability can vary depending on the extract's standardization and processing
  • Less extensive human clinical trial data compared to ch-OSA specifically for its silicon benefits
Per product
Avg$25.89
Med$25.89
Per serving
Avg$0.86
Med$0.86
Per 10 mg
Avg$0.43
Med$0.43
Price distribution