Silicon plays a significant role in bone formation.2 Supplementation with silicon has increased bone formation in
animal studies.3 Preliminary trials with humans demonstrated that silicon supplementation can increase bone
mineral density in women known to have osteoporosis.4
Silicon is required for the functioning of prolyhydroxylase, an enzyme that functions in the formation of collagen in
bone, cartilage, and other connective tissue. It may also participate in calcification of bone. This may be one of the
important ways that silicon exerts its bone building ef ects.5
2. Skin: Anti-Aging
Silicon supplementation has been shown to increase the thickness of the dermis in mature women as evidenced by
ultrasound examination studies.6 This has provided early evidence of an age-reversal effect on the skin.
Dosage Ranges
The daily requirement is considered to be 5-20 mg. When used as a supplement, common amounts range from 1-2
mg per day.
www.meschinohealth.com
51
Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Minerals
Side Effects and Toxicity
Silicon is generally regarded as being non-toxic at usual intake levels from food. Until more is known about its
biological ef ects in humans, high dose supplementation should not be practised.
Increased levels of silicon and aluminium complexers have been detected in neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques
in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Most experts feel that aluminum is the primary culprit in this case,
not silicon.7,8,9 Inhalation of large amounts of silicon (industrial set ings) causes respiratory silicosis.7
Drug-Nutrient Interaction
There are no well-known drug-nutrient interactions for silicon.7
Pregnancy and Lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, the only supplements that are considered safe include standard prenatal
vitamin and mineral supplements. All other supplements or dose alterations may pose a threat to the
developing fetus and there is generally insuf icient evidence at this time to determine an absolute level of
safety for most dietary supplements other than a prenatal supplement. Any supplementation practices
beyond a prenatal supplement should involve the cooperation of the at ending physician (e.g., magnesium
and the treatment of preeclampsia.)
References: Pregnancy and Lactation
1. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Murray M. Prima Publishing 1998.
2. Reavley NM. The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs. Evans and
Company Inc. 1998.
3. The Healing Power of Herbs (2nd edition). Murray M. Prima Publishing 1995.
4. Boon H and Smith M. Health Care Professional Training Program in Complementary Medicine.
Institute of Applied Complementary Medicine Inc. 1997.
www.meschinohealth.com
52
Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Minerals
1. Standard Textbooks of Nutritional Science:
-
Shils M, Shike M, Olson J, Ross C. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins; 1993.
-
Escott-Stump S, Mahan LK, editors. Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders
Company; 2000.
-
Bowman B, Russell RM, editors. Present Knowledge in Nutrition, 8th ed. Washington, DC:.ILSI Press; 2001.
-
Kreutler PA, Czajka-Narins DM, editors. Nutrition in Perspective. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Inc.; 1987.
2. Carlisle EM. Silicon localization and calcification in developing bone. Fed Proc 1969;28:374.
3. Hott M, de Pollak C, Modrowski D, Marie PJ. Short-term effects of organic silicon on trabecular bone in mature ovariectamized rats.
Calcif Tissue Int 1993;53:174-9.
4. Eisinger J, Clairet D. Effects of silicon, fluoride, etidronate, and magnesium on bone mineral density: A retrospective study. Magnes
Res 1993;6:247-9.
5. Fessenden RJ, Fessenden JS. The biological properties of silicon compounds. Adv Drug Res 1987;4:95.
6. Lassus A. Colloidal silicic acid for oral and topical treatment of aged skin, fragile hair and brittle nails in females. J Int Med Res
1993;21:209-15.
7. Healthnotes 1998-2002. Available from: URL: http://www.healthnotes.com.
8. Hershey CO, Hershey LA, Varnes A, Vibhakar SD, Lavin P, Strain WH. Cerebrospinal fluid trace element content in dementia.
Clinical radiologic and pathologic correlations. Neurology 1983;33:1350-3.
9. Candy JM, Klinowski JP. Aluminosilicates and senile plaque formation in Alzheimer’s disease. Lancet 1986;1:354-7.
www.meschinohealth.com
53
Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Minerals
Vanadium
General Features
Vanadium is a trace mineral that has been considered essential for humans since the 1970s. The average adult body
contains about 100 mcg of vanadium, which is found in the blood, organ tissue and bones.
In animals, vanadium is required for growth, bone development and fertility. Its role in human nutrition is still under
investigation. It may act as a cofactor for enzymes involved in blood sugar metabolism, lipid and cholesterol
metabolism and other functions related to normal growth and development. As a supplement, vanadium has shown
promise as a bioactive agent that can improve insulin sensitivity in non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM). It may
mimic the action of insulin, lowering insulin requirements in NIDDM and improve glycemic control. As insulin also
promotes protein synthesis and anabolic activity, body builders have expressed interest in vanadium as a potential
anabolic substance.1,2
In animal studies vanadium supplementation improves glucose tolerance, inhibits cholesterol synthesis (lowering
cholesterol levels) and improves mineralization of bones and teeth.3 Most authorities feel that it may be premature to
recommend high doses of vanadium as a supplement.4
Recommended Daily Al owance (Vanadium)
There is no RDA for vanadium. The estimated average daily intake for Americans is 10-60 mcg.5
Supplementation Studies and Clinical Applications
Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
In a small trial of six NIDDM patients, a daily dosage of Vanadyl Sulfate at 100 mg significantly improved fasting blood
glucose levels during the three-week trial.6 A second trial with eight NIDDM patients also demonstrated that 100 mg of
Vanadyl Sulfate improved glucose control in these individuals, during the four-week trial.7
A preliminary trial with type 1 diabetics failed to show any benefit with Vanadyl Sulfate supplementation.8
Dosage Ranges