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Silica Extract

Also known as: Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), Orthosilicic acid (OSA), Monomethylsilanetriol (MMST), Silica, Silicon, Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA), Silicon dioxide

Overview

Silica extract encompasses bioavailable silicon compounds intended to augment dietary silicon intake. Natural sources include whole grains, bananas, and mineral water. Its primary applications are centered around bone health and collagen synthesis, with emerging research exploring potential benefits for skin and hair. However, the research in this area is still considered preliminary, with the majority of human studies being underpowered (sample sizes less than 100) and lacking long-term data. The quality of evidence is moderate for bone effects in animal models but low for dermatological applications in humans. Silica is available in various forms, with orthosilicic acid (OSA) being considered more bioavailable than polymerized forms.

Benefits

Silica extract is purported to offer several health benefits, although the strength of evidence varies. In animal models, sodium metasilicate at 250 ppm has demonstrated increased collagen content and prevention of skeletal abnormalities. However, the human equivalent doses (approximately 139 mg/kg BW/d) are impractical, creating an efficacy gap. While theoretical benefits for skin and hair exist via collagen hydroxylation enzymes, human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown inconsistent results. The clinical significance of silica extract appears to be dose-dependent, but practical human dosing strategies are lacking. More robust human studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

How it works

Silica's mechanism of action primarily involves collagen synthesis and mineralization. It enhances prolyl hydroxylase activity, which is crucial for type I collagen production. Additionally, silica facilitates hydroxyapatite crystal formation in bone, contributing to bone mineralization. Orthosilicic acid (OSA) exhibits superior absorption compared to polymerized forms of silica. Monomethylsilanetriol (MMST) converts to OSA in the body, but long-term safety data for MMST are limited. These processes collectively contribute to the potential benefits observed in bone and connective tissue health.

Side effects

Silica extract is generally considered safe at food-grade doses (10-50 mg/d). Short-term human studies have not reported significant adverse events. However, theoretical concerns exist regarding nanoparticle forms of silica, although these are not present in MMST. No specific contraindications have been established, but the safety of silica supplementation during pregnancy has not been thoroughly tested. It's important to note that while short-term use appears safe, long-term safety data, particularly for MMST, are lacking. Individuals should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before starting silica supplementation, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosage

The effective dosage range for silica extract is typically between 10-50 mg of elemental silicon daily. Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) is the most studied form, while monomethylsilanetriol (MMST) has controversial safety data. It is recommended to take silica supplements with meals to enhance absorption. Vitamin C may act as a cofactor, enhancing collagen effects. While specific upper limits and safety thresholds are not well-defined, exceeding recommended dosages is not advised. Individuals should adhere to the recommended dosage guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.

FAQs

Does silica reverse hair loss?

No, there is currently no high-quality human evidence to support the claim that silica can reverse hair loss. More research is needed to determine its potential effects on hair health.

Is nano-silica safe?

Genotoxicity concerns have been raised in murine models regarding silica nanoparticles. It is advisable to avoid uncharacterized nanoparticle forms of silica due to potential safety risks.

How long until results appear?

Based on extrapolations from animal models, bone effects may require several months to become noticeable. However, data on skin and hair effects are currently insufficient to determine a timeline.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10857027/ – This systematic review of 37 animal and human studies investigated the effects of silicon on bone health. The findings suggest that a high dose of 139 mg/kg BW/d improves bone metrics, but this dose is clinically unfeasible for humans. The review highlights the limitation of human trials being underdosed relative to effective animal doses, and the overall quality of evidence is considered moderate due to heterogeneous methodologies.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15376516.2021.1965277 – This narrative review discusses the safety of monomethylsilanetriol (MMST), noting that while short-term use appears safe, long-term data are lacking. The review points out that industry-funded studies dominate the available research, which may introduce bias. The overall quality of the review is considered low due to its opinion-driven nature.
https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2672/content/thoraxjnl/79/10/934.full.pdf?with-ds=yes – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the genotoxicity of SiO₂ nanoparticles. The findings indicate that these nanoparticles can cause dose-dependent DNA damage in mice. While the methodology is rigorous, the findings are not directly relevant to most silica supplements, which do not contain nanoparticles.
https://www.scielo.br/j/abd/a/kstGNsJcvxShLntBMD4L8Wm/ – This article likely discusses the effects of silica on skin, hair and nails. More information is needed to provide a detailed summary.