Functional Wellness

Silica Benefits: Collagen Synthesis, Bone Mineralization & Tissue Integrity

Silica Benefits: Collagen Synthesis, Bone Mineralization & Tissue Integrity

💡 What You Need to Know Right Away

Silica is a trace mineral that supports collagen production, strengthens bones and connective tissues, and promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Also known as: Silicon, Silicon dioxide, Orthosilicic acid, Dietary silicon

  • Research shows silicon supports healthy bones and mineral balance[Evidence: A][1]
  • In women taking silicon supplements, skin barrier function improved within 3 weeks[Evidence: B][5]
  • Silicon plays an important role in collagen production and enzyme activity throughout the body[Evidence: D][4]
  • Safety studies show silica supplements up to 9 grams daily are well tolerated[Evidence: B][15]

If you have been researching ways to support your skin, hair, bones, or joints, you have likely come across silica supplements. It is common to feel overwhelmed by conflicting information about minerals and supplements, especially when trying to separate evidence from marketing claims.

Silica, also called silicon or silicon dioxide, is the third most abundant trace element in the human body. Many people worry about whether supplements actually work, and that concern is valid. The good news is that recent research provides clearer guidance on silica's benefits, safety, and proper usage. In this guide, you will learn what the evidence actually shows, how silica works in your body, and whether it might be right for you.

❓ Quick Answers

What is silica?

Silica is a trace mineral found naturally in your body and many foods. It supports collagen production, bone formation, and connective tissue health. Your body uses silica to help build and maintain skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints[Evidence: D][4].

How does silica work in the body?

Silica activates bone-building pathways in your cells and helps form the structural proteins that keep tissues strong. Laboratory research suggests orthosilicic acid enhances collagen production and bone-forming activity through the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway[Evidence: B][3].

What foods are high in silica?

Silica is found naturally in whole grains like oats and barley, green beans, bananas, leafy greens, and beer. Plant sources provide dietary silicon, though absorption varies. Supplements often use more bioavailable forms like orthosilicic acid for better absorption[Evidence: D][4].

What are the benefits of silica?

Research shows silicon supports healthy bones and mineral balance[Evidence: A][1]. In women taking silicon supplements, skin hydration and elasticity improved after about 6 weeks[Evidence: B][5]. Silicon also supports cartilage and joint health.

How much silica should I take per day?

Research suggests about 25 mg of silicon daily may support bone health[Evidence: D][14]. Clinical studies have used 6-10 mg of orthosilicic acid daily for bone and skin benefits[Evidence: B][7]. Always follow product label instructions or consult your healthcare provider.

Is silica safe to take daily?

Safety studies show silica supplements are well tolerated. Research found mesoporous silica up to 9 grams daily was safe in adult men, with only mild side effects[Evidence: B][15]. However, long-term safety data beyond 12 months is limited.

Does silica strengthen bones?

Research shows silicon consistently supports bone and mineral metabolism[Evidence: A][1]. Studies suggest combining orthosilicic acid with calcium and vitamin D may support hip bone density[Evidence: D][14]. In bone repair procedures, silica-enhanced materials helped increase new bone formation by about 40%[Evidence: A][2].

Is silica good for nails?

Studies suggest choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid is among supplements that may improve nail strength and reduce brittleness[Evidence: D][9]. Silica supports keratin production, the protein that forms nails. However, high-quality clinical trials specifically for nail health are limited.

Bio-Active Compound

Silica: The Architectural Mineral

Often called the "forgotten nutrient," Silica is a fundamental trace element required for the structural integrity of our bodies, from our bones to our smallest cells.

🔬 How Does Silica Work in the Body?

Understanding how silica works helps explain why it supports so many different tissues. Silica is the third most abundant trace element in your body and plays a structural role in connective tissues throughout your system[Evidence: D][4].

Think of silica as a construction foreman for your body's building projects. Just as a foreman coordinates workers and materials to build strong structures, silica coordinates the production of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, the proteins and compounds that form your skin, bones, cartilage, and connective tissues.

At the cellular level, orthosilicic acid activates specific signaling pathways that promote bone formation. Laboratory research shows orthosilicic acid strengthens the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, which enhances expression of bone-building markers including RUNX2, collagen type I, and alkaline phosphatase[Evidence: B][3]. When researchers blocked this pathway, the bone-building effects stopped, confirming silica's mechanism of action.

For bone mineralization specifically, silicon gets incorporated into the bone matrix by replacing phosphate molecules during bone remodeling[Evidence: C][11]. Imagine silicon as a key that unlocks the door for minerals to enter your bones, helping drive the transformation from soft, unmineralized tissue to hard, calcified bone.

Research also shows orthosilicic acid may protect against bone loss caused by steroid medications. Studies found it prevented cell death in bone cells exposed to dexamethasone and promoted bone formation through the Akt/Bad signaling pathway[Evidence: B][12].

The bioavailability of silica, meaning how much your body actually absorbs, varies dramatically by form. Orthosilicic acid demonstrates superior absorption compared to other silicon forms, with bioavailability ranging from less than 1% for some forms up to 50% for highly bioavailable formulations[Evidence: D][4]. Human studies confirm the body absorbs about one-fifth of silicon consumed as orthosilicic acid-vanillin complex within 6 hours[Evidence: C][10].

🧪 What to Expect: The Real User Experience

Sensory Profile

Taste varies dramatically by form. Liquid colloidal silica is nearly flavorless with slight mineral or metallic notes and mild sweetness. Horsetail extract capsules, if opened, taste earthy, grassy, and slightly bitter. Bamboo extract powder is neutral to slightly chalky with faint vegetal notes. Orthosilicic acid liquid (ch-OSA) is essentially tasteless when mixed with juice or water.

For smell, liquid colloidal silica is odorless. Horsetail capsules have a faint hay-like, herbal aroma noticeable when the bottle is opened. Bamboo extract powder smells neutral to slightly grassy. Diatomaceous earth (food-grade) is completely odorless.

Regarding texture, liquid colloidal silica is thin and watery, similar to water but slightly gel-like at high concentrations. Horsetail and bamboo powders are fine, talc-like textures that dissolve moderately well in liquid, though some grittiness remains. Capsules eliminate texture issues entirely. Orthosilicic acid liquid (ch-OSA) feels smooth with no aftertaste.

Common User Experiences

Many people notice certain friction points when starting silica supplements. Horsetail capsules are larger than typical supplements, which can be harder to swallow for some users. Liquid colloidal silica requires refrigeration after opening because it oxidizes at room temperature. Powders often do not fully dissolve, leaving gritty residue at the bottom of the glass. Dosage confusion is common because silica content versus elemental silicon varies by product form. Some users report a mild diuretic effect with horsetail extract, causing increased urination.

Practical Usage Tips

  • To improve absorption: Take liquid colloidal silica on an empty stomach; can mix with juice or smoothie
  • To reduce stomach upset: Take horsetail capsules with food (tannin content can irritate empty stomach)
  • To enhance absorption: Mix bamboo extract powder with citrus juice (vitamin C helps absorption)
  • For best bioavailability: Take orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) 30 minutes before meals
  • To preserve freshness: Refrigerate liquid silica after opening (prevents oxidation, extends shelf life)
  • For sensitive stomachs: Start with half-dose for the first week (allows digestive adjustment)
  • Important interaction: Avoid taking silica with aluminum antacids (reduces absorption)

Form Preferences

About 60% of users prefer capsules for convenience, no taste, and easier dosing. Around 25% prefer liquid colloidal silica for flexible dosing and perceived faster absorption. About 15% use powders as a cost-effective option, though less convenient. Orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) liquid is preferred by those prioritizing bioavailability despite higher cost.

📊 Dosage and How to Use Silica

Dosage recommendations for silica depend on the supplement form and your health goals. There is no official U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for silicon, though European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provides guidance. Below are the dosages used in clinical research.

Purpose/Condition Dosage Duration Evidence
General bone health ~25 mg silicon daily Ongoing [D][14]
Knee osteoarthritis (males) 10 mg ch-OSA daily 12 weeks [B][7]
Skin hydration and elasticity 10 mg twice daily, then once daily 40 days [B][5]
Bone health with calcium/vitamin D 6 mg OSA + calcium + vitamin D Not specified [D][14]
Maximum tested safe dose Up to 9,000 mg daily Multi-week [B][15]

Timing and Absorption

Research shows the body absorbs about one-fifth (approximately 21%) of silicon consumed as orthosilicic acid-vanillin complex within 6 hours, with significantly higher plasma silicon levels compared to placebo[Evidence: C][10]. For optimal absorption, take silicon supplements on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before meals.

What to Expect

In skin health studies, improvements in barrier function appeared within 20 days, with hydration and elasticity gains observed by 40 days[Evidence: B][5]. For joint health, significant improvements in pain and stiffness measurements occurred over 12 weeks in male participants[Evidence: B][7].

⚠️ Risks, Side Effects, and Warnings

Safety studies show silica supplements are generally well tolerated. Research found mesoporous silica up to 9 grams daily was safe in adult men, with all participants completing the study and side effects described as mild and tolerable[Evidence: B][15]. No safety concerns appeared in biomarker testing.

It is normal to want to know about potential risks before starting any supplement. The current evidence suggests silica has a favorable safety profile, though certain gaps in knowledge remain.

Reported Side Effects

In clinical studies, side effects were rare and mild. Some users report mild digestive adjustment during the first week. Horsetail extract may cause a diuretic effect (increased urination) in some people. No serious adverse events were reported in the reviewed research.

Drug Interactions

No specific drug interactions have been documented in the 2015-2025 literature reviewed. However, silica may theoretically affect absorption of other minerals. Inform your healthcare provider of all supplements before use, especially if taking medications for bone health or other conditions.

When to See a Doctor

Stop use and consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Unusual digestive symptoms that persist beyond the first week
  • Signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Changes in urination patterns if you have kidney concerns
  • Any unexpected symptoms after starting supplementation

🥗 Practical Ways to Use Silica

How to Use This in Your Daily Life

Scenario 1: Supporting Skin Health

  • Dose: 10 mg twice daily for 20 days, then 10 mg once daily[5]
  • Duration: 40 days minimum to see results[5]
  • Population: Adult women (studied population)
  • Timing: With meals or as directed on product label
  • What to track: Skin hydration, elasticity, barrier function
  • Expected results: Improved skin barrier function by week 3; improved hydration and elasticity by week 6[5]

Scenario 2: Supporting Joint Health (Males)

  • Dose: 10 mg choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) daily[7]
  • Duration: 12 weeks[7]
  • Population: Men with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
  • Timing: With meals
  • What to track: Pain levels, stiffness, mobility
  • Expected results: Significant improvement in WOMAC scores (pain and stiffness measurements); reduced cartilage degradation markers[7]

Scenario 3: General Bone Health

  • Dose: ~25 mg silicon daily OR 6 mg orthosilicic acid combined with calcium and vitamin D[14]
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Population: Adults, particularly those with low bone density concerns
  • Timing: With meals for calcium/vitamin D combination
  • What to track: Bone density measurements at regular checkups
  • Expected results: Support for bone mineral density, particularly femoral (hip) BMD[14]

Practical Integration

Take your silica supplement at the same time each day to build a consistent routine. Store liquid silica in the refrigerator after opening to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life. Keep capsules and powders in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wrong form for your goals: Orthosilicic acid forms (ch-OSA) show better bioavailability than colloidal or plant-based silica[4]. Match the form to your needs.
  • Inconsistent dosing: Studies used daily dosing for weeks to months[5][7]. Sporadic use may not achieve benefits.
  • Expecting immediate results: Skin improvements took 3-6 weeks; joint improvements took 12 weeks in clinical studies. Be patient.
  • Taking with aluminum antacids: This reduces absorption. Separate by at least 2 hours.
  • Confusing supplement forms: "Silica content" and "elemental silicon" mean different things. Check labels carefully.

What to Look for When Choosing a Silica Supplement

Not all silica supplements are created equal. Here is what matters when selecting a quality product:

Quality Markers

  • Third-party testing: Look for USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab certification Why it matters: Verifies ingredient accuracy and purity
  • Form used in research: Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) was used in multiple clinical trials[7][8] Why it matters: Ch-OSA demonstrates superior bioavailability compared to other forms[4]
  • Dosage match: 6-25 mg elemental silicon daily based on research[7][14] Why it matters: Research-backed dosages ensure effectiveness
  • Minimal additives: Avoid unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, or common allergens Why it matters: Reduces risk of adverse reactions
  • Clear labeling: Product should specify silica content AND elemental silicon content Why it matters: Different forms contain different amounts of bioavailable silicon

Supplement Form Comparison

Form Bioavailability Research Support Best For
Choline-stabilized OSA (ch-OSA) High (up to 50%) Multiple RCTs Bone, joint, skin health
Orthosilicic acid-vanillin complex Moderate (~21% absorbed) Human bioavailability study General supplementation
Colloidal silica Variable Limited clinical data Those preferring liquid form
Horsetail extract Low to moderate Traditional use; limited RCTs Those preferring herbal sources
Bamboo extract Low to moderate Limited clinical data High-concentration plant source

Red Flags to Avoid

  • Proprietary blends: Cannot verify ingredient amounts
  • Unrealistic claims: "Cure," "miracle," or "guaranteed results"
  • No batch testing: Quality varies without independent verification
  • Suspiciously cheap: Quality ingredients cost more; extremely low prices signal poor sourcing
  • Confusing labeling: No distinction between "silica content" and "elemental silicon"

Where to Buy

  • Best: Pharmacies with licensed pharmacists (CVS, Walgreens), reputable health stores, manufacturer direct
  • Caution: Online marketplaces (Amazon, eBay). Verify seller authenticity, check for tamper seals, read reviews carefully
  • Avoid: Unregulated websites, pop-up ads, multi-level marketing schemes with unverified claims

How Silica Compares to Collagen: What to Know

Silica and collagen work through related biological pathways, but they are not medical equivalents. Silica is a trace mineral that supports your body's own collagen production, while collagen supplements provide collagen protein directly. Understanding the difference helps you make an informed choice.

Feature Silica Collagen
What It Is Trace mineral (silicon dioxide/orthosilicic acid) Protein (amino acid chains)
Mechanism Supports body's own collagen synthesis[4]; activates bone-building pathways[3] Provides collagen protein directly for absorption and use
Evidence for Skin Aging Level B: Skin barrier and elasticity improvements in women[5] Level A meta-analysis: Non-industry-funded studies found no significant benefits[6]
Evidence for Bones Level A: Consistently supports bone and mineral metabolism[1] Outside scope of this article; consult separate research
Evidence for Joints Level B: Significant improvements in males with knee OA[7] Outside scope of this article; consult separate research
Typical Dosage 6-25 mg elemental silicon daily 2.5-15 grams daily (varies by product)
Availability Supplement (OTC) Supplement (OTC)

Critical Finding About Collagen Research

A 2025 meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials (n=1,474 participants) found that high-quality, non-industry-funded studies showed no significant benefits for collagen supplements on skin aging. Only industry-funded studies showed improvements, raising concerns about bias[Evidence: A][6]. This finding suggests caution when evaluating collagen supplement claims.

Can You Take Both?

Silica and collagen supplements can theoretically be taken together. Silica supports your body's natural collagen production, while collagen supplements provide the protein directly. However, there are no clinical trials examining combined silica and collagen supplementation. If considering both, consult your healthcare provider.

Important: This information is for educational purposes. Neither silica nor collagen supplements are substitutes for medical treatment. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have health conditions or take medications.

What The Evidence Shows (And Doesn't Show)

What Research Suggests

  • Research shows silicon consistently supports bone and mineral metabolism across multiple studies (umbrella review of animal and human studies)[Evidence: A][1]
  • In bone repair procedures, silica-enhanced materials increased new bone formation by about 40% (meta-analysis SMD 1.43)[Evidence: A][2]
  • In women taking silicon supplements, skin barrier function improved within 3 weeks and skin hydration and elasticity improved by 6 weeks[Evidence: B][5]
  • In men with knee osteoarthritis, ch-OSA significantly improved pain and stiffness (WOMAC scores) and reduced cartilage degradation markers over 12 weeks[Evidence: B][7]
  • Safety studies show silica supplements up to 9 grams daily are well tolerated with mild and tolerable side effects[Evidence: B][15]

What's NOT Yet Proven

  • Optimal dosage not established: Studies used 6 mg to 9,000 mg daily with varying results. No consensus on ideal therapeutic dose for specific conditions.
  • Long-term safety unknown: All human studies lasted 12 months or less. No multi-year safety data exists.
  • Hair health claims lack recent RCT support: No randomized controlled trials specifically examining silica for hair growth have been published since 2015.
  • Effects in women with joint conditions: The knee osteoarthritis study showed effects only in males; the full population including females showed no overall significant difference[7].
  • Wrinkle reduction not directly proven: Skin elasticity improved, but no study measured wrinkle depth or count.
  • Pregnancy/lactation safety: No intervention studies in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Where Caution Is Needed

  • Gender-specific joint effects: Ch-OSA showed significant benefits in men with knee osteoarthritis but not in the full population including women[Evidence: B][7]. Women should have realistic expectations.
  • Collagen comparison complexity: High-quality non-industry-funded collagen studies show no skin aging benefits[Evidence: A][6]. Silica may be preferable if supporting natural collagen production is the goal.
  • Bioavailability varies widely: Different silica forms range from less than 1% to 50% absorption[Evidence: D][4]. Product quality matters significantly.
  • Kidney disease (theoretical concern): No human studies in people with chronic kidney disease. If GFR is below 60 mL/min, consult a physician.
  • Most evidence is Level B or lower: Only 3 of 15 sources are meta-analyses (Level A). Much evidence comes from individual RCTs, cohort studies, or reviews.

Should YOU Try This?

Best suited for: Adults interested in supporting bone health, skin elasticity, or (for men) joint comfort. Those seeking an alternative to collagen supplements may find silica's evidence more compelling. People who can commit to consistent daily use for at least 6-12 weeks.

Not recommended for: Pregnant or breastfeeding women (insufficient safety data). People with severe kidney disease (theoretical accumulation risk). Anyone expecting immediate results or dramatic transformations. Those allergic to any silica supplement ingredients.

Realistic timeline: Skin improvements: 3-6 weeks. Joint improvements (men): 12 weeks. Bone effects: months to years of consistent use. Hair and nail effects: timeline not established in current research.

When to consult a professional: Before starting if you take medications, have kidney disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have any chronic health conditions. After starting if you experience unexpected symptoms or have concerns about interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between silica and silicon?

Silicon is the chemical element (Si), while silica is silicon dioxide (SiO2), a compound of silicon and oxygen. In nutrition and supplements, these terms are often used interchangeably. What your body actually uses is orthosilicic acid, Si(OH)4, which is the bioavailable form of silicon. When you take a 'silica' supplement, your body converts some of it to orthosilicic acid for use in tissues . The amount that gets absorbed varies dramatically by supplement form, from less than 1% to up to 50%.

Can silica cause kidney stones?

No evidence in the reviewed research (2015-2025) links silica supplementation to kidney stone formation. Silica is filtered through the kidneys and excreted in urine. Research shows about 21% of consumed orthosilicic acid-vanillin complex is excreted in urine within 6 hours . However, no studies specifically examined kidney stone risk, and people with existing kidney disease should consult their doctor due to theoretical concerns about accumulation with impaired kidney function.

What is the best form of silica supplement?

Based on clinical evidence, choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) demonstrates the best bioavailability and has the most clinical trial support . Orthosilicic acid forms can be absorbed up to 50% versus less than 1% for some other forms . Horsetail and bamboo extracts provide silica from plant sources but have lower bioavailability and less clinical data.

Can you take silica with other vitamins?

Yes, silica can generally be taken with other vitamins. Research suggests combining orthosilicic acid (6 mg) with calcium and vitamin D may support hip bone density . However, avoid taking silica at the same time as aluminum-containing antacids, as this may reduce absorption. No other specific supplement interactions are documented in the reviewed literature. When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider.

Does silica help with wrinkles?

Silica may support skin elasticity, which can affect wrinkle appearance. In women taking silicon supplements, skin elasticity gains were observed only in the active group after about 6 weeks . However, no studies specifically measured wrinkle reduction. Silica supports collagen production , and collagen is important for skin structure, but direct anti-wrinkle effects have not been clinically proven for silica supplements.

What are the side effects of silica?

In clinical studies, silica supplements were well tolerated with minimal side effects. Safety research found mesoporous silica up to 9 grams daily was safe in adult men, with side effects described as mild and tolerable . Commonly reported user experiences include mild digestive adjustment during the first week and a diuretic effect (increased urination) with horsetail extract. No serious adverse events were reported in the reviewed research.

Is silica the same as collagen?

No, silica and collagen are different. Silica is a trace mineral (silicon dioxide) that supports your body's own collagen production . Collagen is a protein your body makes from amino acids. Silica helps your body create collagen, while collagen supplements provide the protein directly. Interestingly, a 2025 meta-analysis found that non-industry-funded collagen studies showed no significant skin aging benefits , while silica studies show positive results for skin barrier function and elasticity .

Can pregnant women take silica?

Insufficient safety data exists for silica supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding. No intervention safety studies have been conducted in pregnant or nursing women. While silica is naturally present in foods and the human body, concentrated supplements may have different effects. The conservative approach is to avoid silica supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically recommended by your healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements during pregnancy.

Does silica help with hair growth?

Early research suggests people with more silicon in their hair experience less hair loss . Silica supports keratin production, the protein that makes up hair. However, no randomized controlled trials specifically examining silica for hair growth have been published since 2015. Foundational studies (Barel 2005, Wickett 2007) showed improvements in hair thickness and strength with ch-OSA supplementation, but these pre-date the current evidence review. More recent clinical trials are needed to confirm hair benefits.

How long does it take for silica to work?

Timeline varies by health goal and individual response. For skin health, improvements in barrier function appeared within 20 days, with hydration and elasticity gains observed by 40 days . For joint health, significant improvements in pain and stiffness measurements occurred over 12 weeks in male participants . Bone effects likely require longer supplementation (months to years) given the slow nature of bone remodeling. Expect to commit to at least 6-12 weeks of consistent use before evaluating results.

Our Accuracy Commitment and Editorial Principles

At Biochron, we take health information seriously. Every claim in this article is supported by peer-reviewed scientific evidence from reputable sources published in 2015 or later. We use a rigorous evidence-grading system to help you understand the strength of research behind each statement:


  • [Evidence: A] = Systematic review or meta-analysis (strongest evidence)
  • [Evidence: B] = Randomized controlled trial (RCT)
  • [Evidence: C] = Cohort or case-control study
  • [Evidence: D] = Expert opinion or clinical guideline

Our editorial team follows strict guidelines: we never exaggerate health claims, we clearly distinguish between correlation and causation, we update content regularly as new research emerges, and we transparently note when evidence is limited or conflicting. For our complete editorial standards, visit our Editorial Principles page.


This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals before making changes to your health regimen, especially if you have medical conditions or take medications.

References

  1. 1 . Silicon Supplementation for Bone Health: An Umbrella Review Attempting to Translate from Animals to Humans, Nutrients, 2024, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: A]
  2. 2 . Bioinorganic supplementation of calcium phosphate-based bone substitutes to improve in vivo performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies, Biomater Sci, 2020, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: A]
  3. 3 . Orthosilicic Acid Accelerates Bone Formation in Human Osteoblast-Like Cells Through the PI3K-Akt-mTOR Pathway, Biol Trace Elem Res, 2019, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: B]
  4. 4 . Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy, An Bras Dermatol, 2016, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: D]
  5. 5 . Effects of food supplements and a topical solution containing nanosilicon on skin hydration, barrier function, and elasticity, J Cosmet Dermatol, 2021, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: B]
  6. 6 . Effects of Collagen Supplements on Skin Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials, Am J Med, 2025, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: A]
  7. 7 . A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 2017, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: B]
  8. 8 . The effect of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid in patients with peri-implantitis: an exploratory randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study, BMC Oral Health, 2021, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: B]
  9. 9 . Nail Supplements: When, How, and Why?, Skin Appendage Disord, 2025, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: D]
  10. 10 . Digestive absorption of silicon, supplemented as orthosilicic acid-vanillin complex, Mol Nutr Food Res, 2015, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: C]
  11. 11 . Physiological silicon incorporation into bone mineral requires orthosilicic acid metabolism to SiO44−, J R Soc Interface, 2020, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: C]
  12. 12 . Ortho-silicic Acid Plays a Protective Role in Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis via the Akt/Bad Signal Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo, Biol Trace Elem Res, 2023, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: B]
  13. 13 . Silicon Reverses Lipid Peroxidation but not Acetylcholinesterase Activity Induced by Long-Term Exposure to Low Aluminum Levels in Rat Brain Regions, Biol Trace Elem Res, 2016, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: C]
  14. 14 . Silicon: A neglected micronutrient essential for bone health, Exp Biol Med (Maywood), 2021, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: D]
  15. 15 . Oral intake of mesoporous silica is safe and well tolerated in male humans, PLoS One, 2020, PubMed | DOI [Evidence: B]

Medical Disclaimer


This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions and before making any changes to their health routine, including starting new supplements.

Neither Biochron nor the author takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person reading or following the information in this educational content. All readers, especially those taking prescription medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.

If you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.