Silicon is an essential trace mineral. The human body contains approximately 7 grams of silicon, which is present in various tissues and body fluids. The highest concentrations of silicon are found in tissues in the aorta, trachea, tendons, bones and skin. As we age, silicon levels in the body decrease.
Silicon is required by the body for stronger bones, healthy skin and more flexible joints. Silicon has many uses: 1-4
· Silicon helps maintain bone density and strength by facilitating the deposit of calcium and other minerals into bone tissue. It also has a catalytic role in the mineralization of new bones.
· Silicon is essential for the proper functioning of nerve cells and tissues, and the synthesis of Vitamin B1 or thiamine in the human body. It controls the transmission of nerve impulses.
· Silicon helps relieve irritation in mucous membranes.
· Silicon is essential for the healthy growth of hair, nails, and teeth; and is, therefore often called the 'beauty mineral'.
· Silicon is essential for the strength and integrity of the arteries, assisting in the maintenance of cardiovascular health.
· Silicon makes the eyes bright and protects the skin from becoming flabby by the building of collagen. Thus it helps slow down the aging process.
· Silicon helps support the immune system.
Based on current research, silicon is now being considered a critical mineral that may nutritionally support the body and help it better manage the effects of aging.
Silicon deficiency may be caused by consumption of a highly refined diet that is low in essential nutrients. The refining and processing of food removes silicon-containing fibers contributing to a lower dietary silicon intake. Aging is reported to be associated with an increasing gastric pH. Thus, elderly people may have a decreased capacity to absorb silicon into the body5, making supplementation a healthy choice.
Natural Food Sources
The main food sources of silicon are apples, oranges, cherries, raisins, almonds, peanuts, raw cabbage, onions, endives, carrots, eggplants, pumpkin, red beets, celery, cucumber, fish, honey, and corn.
As we grow older, our ability to metabolize dietary silicon declines. As a consequence, silicon supplementation may be necessary to support a healthy urinary tract.
Prostate health is related to nutrition. The American Journal of Epidemiology reports that lower rates of enlarged prostate are found in men who eat a lean-protein diet, at least four servings of vegetables a day and red meat just once a week. A healthy diet is essential with supplementation and regular PSA checkups are recommended for older men.
References:
1. Carlisle EM. Silicon: a possible factor in bone calcification. Science 1970, 167:179-280.
2. Loeper J, et al. The antiatheromatous action of silicon. Atherosclerosis 1979, 33:397-408.
3. Seaborn C, et al. Silicon deprivation decreases collagen formation in wounds and bone, and ornithine transminase enzyme activity in liver. Biol Trace Elem Res 2002, 89(3):251-61.
4. Calomme MR, Vanden Berghe DA. Supplementation of calves with stabilized orthosilicic acid. Effect on the Si, Ca, Mg, and P concentrations in serum and the collagen concentration in skin and cartilage. Biol Trace Elem Res 1997;56:153-65.
5. Emmanuel Bissé, Thomas Epting, Annette Beil, Gabriele Lindinger, Helmut Lang and Heinrich Wieland, Reference values for serum silicon in adults, Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
