Silicon Amino Acid Chelate
Also known as: Silicon amino acid chelate, amino acid chelated silicon, silicon chelate, silicon glycinate, silicon methioninate
Overview
Silicon amino acid chelate is a dietary supplement where silicon, a trace element, is chemically bound or 'chelated' to amino acids. This chelation process is designed to enhance the stability and bioavailability of silicon, improving its absorption compared to inorganic forms like silica or silicates. Silicon is naturally found in plant-based foods such as cereals, grains, and some vegetables. The primary application of silicon amino acid chelate as a supplement is to support bone health, connective tissue integrity, and the health of skin, hair, and nails. Silicon plays a role in collagen synthesis and bone mineralization, making it a valuable component for these bodily functions. While silicon supplementation in general has been studied, direct clinical trials specifically on the amino acid chelate form are limited, indicating a moderate level of research maturity and sparse direct clinical evidence.
Benefits
Silicon supplementation is associated with potential benefits for bone mineral density and connective tissue strength, although the effect sizes observed in studies are often modest and vary. There is a lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically on silicon amino acid chelate, making it difficult to quantify precise outcomes for this specific form. Secondary effects, such as improved skin elasticity and hair strength, have been suggested but also lack robust clinical confirmation. Older adults, particularly those with osteoporosis or bone fragility, may potentially benefit from silicon supplementation as part of a broader mineral regimen aimed at supporting bone health. However, the clinical significance of these benefits is uncertain without more targeted and robust trials on chelated forms. Any observed benefits on bone and connective tissue typically require several months of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Silicon's primary mechanism of action involves its crucial role in the synthesis and cross-linking of collagen, a vital protein for the structural integrity of bone matrix and connective tissues throughout the body. Silicon influences the function of osteoblasts, which are cells responsible for bone formation, and contributes to the formation of the extracellular matrix. At a molecular level, silicon is involved in pathways related to collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. The chelation of silicon with amino acids is designed to improve its solubility and intestinal absorption, thereby enhancing its overall bioavailability within the body compared to less absorbable inorganic silicon forms.
Side effects
Silicon amino acid chelate is generally considered safe when taken within typical supplemental doses, with no major adverse effects commonly reported. There is no significant data documenting common (more than 5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (less than 1%) side effects specifically attributed to this form of silicon. Furthermore, no well-established drug interactions have been identified. There are no known contraindications for its use. However, individuals with pre-existing kidney disease should exercise caution due to potential alterations in mineral metabolism, although no direct contraindications have been established for this specific population.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for silicon amino acid chelate is not well established, and standardized dietary silicon intake recommendations are currently lacking. Studies on general silicon supplementation often utilize doses ranging from 10 to 30 mg of elemental silicon daily. There is no established upper limit for the maximum safe dose, as high doses from food sources are generally considered safe. No specific timing is required for supplementation, though it is commonly taken with meals to potentially enhance absorption. While chelated forms are believed to offer better absorption, specific dosing guidelines for silicon amino acid chelate are not yet available. Co-administration with vitamin D and calcium may support bone health benefits, as these are considered important cofactors for bone efficacy.
FAQs
Is silicon amino acid chelate more effective than other silicon forms?
Chelation generally improves absorption, but direct clinical data comparing the efficacy of silicon amino acid chelate to other silicon forms are currently lacking.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Yes, silicon amino acid chelate is generally considered safe for long-term use, with no significant safety concerns reported at typical supplemental doses.
How long before benefits are seen?
Benefits related to bone or connective tissue health typically require several months of consistent supplementation to become noticeable.
Can it be taken with other supplements?
Yes, silicon amino acid chelate is commonly combined with other supplements, particularly calcium and vitamin D, to support bone health.
Research Sources
- https://patents.google.com/patent/CN1785926A/en – This patent describes a method for producing amino acid trace element chelated silicon fertilizer. While it details the chemical process of creating chelated silicon, it does not provide any clinical efficacy or safety data relevant to human nutritional supplementation.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39447274/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Jiang et al. (2025) investigates the protective effect of intravenous amino acid on kidney function. The study focuses on amino acid infusions and kidney health, but it does not address silicon amino acid chelates or oral supplementation, making its direct relevance to this supplement limited.
- https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2009/cs/b816769a – This tutorial review from RSC (2009) discusses the chemical synthesis and potential applications of silicon-containing alpha-amino acids. While it provides insights into the chemistry of these compounds, it does not offer clinical efficacy data or meta-analyses regarding silicon amino acid chelates as dietary supplements.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29508691/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Cheng et al. (2018) examines the effect of protein and amino acid supplements in older adults with acute or chronic conditions. The review broadly covers amino acid supplementation but does not specifically include or analyze silicon chelates, thus limiting its direct applicability to the efficacy of silicon amino acid chelate supplements.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2013/219840 – This review by Sears (2013) focuses on chelation in the context of heavy metal detoxification. It provides a general overview of chelation mechanisms but does not specifically address the nutritional supplementation of silicon amino acid chelates or their efficacy for health benefits, making its relevance indirect.
