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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Minerals
Silicon
General Features
After oxygen, silicon is the most common element on earth and is found in trace amounts in the body. Although
silicon’s exact biological role is still largely unknown, it is required for proper integrity of the skin, ligaments, tendons
and bone. The silicon content of skin, aorta, and thymus decreases with age.
The primary role of silicon appears to be in the formation of bone matrix, although it has a role in the mineralization
process as well.
In animals silicon deficiency results in decreased bone collagen, skull deformity and long bone abnormalities in
addition to less calcified bone and more transparent bone matrix.
Most human research has centered around silicon’s influence on bone formation, osteoporosis prevention and
collagen formation.
Absorption and Metabolism
Silicon, as silicic acid is readily absorbed and excreted in the urine. The concentration in plasma averages 0.5 mg/L.
Average daily intakes from food are estimated to be 20-50 mg per day.
Recommended Daily Al owance (Silicon)
Silicon is not yet regarded as an essential mineral. Deficiencies have not yet been reported. There is no RDA for
silicon at this time.1
Supplementation Studies and Clinical Applications