Silicon is a naturally occurring mineral. It's the second-most abundant element on earth after oxygen. Food sources include water, fruits, and vegetables.
Silicon supplements are sometimes used as medicine. It's not clear if silicon has a function in the human body. But there's some evidence it might have a role in forming bone and collagen.
People use silicon for weak bones (osteoporosis), aging skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Do not confuse silicon with silicone. Silicone is a group of materials resembling plastic that are used to make medical devices.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Males and younger (pre-menopausal) females who get more silicon from their diet seem to have stronger bones. But it's not clear if taking silicon supplements reduces the risk for osteoporosis.
There is interest in using silicon for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Silicon is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if silicon is safe when used as a medicine.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Silicon is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Surgical removal of the stomach (gastrectomy): Silicon levels in the blood might be lower in people who have had their stomachs surgically removed.
It is not known if Silicon interacts with any medicines. Before taking Silicon, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Silicon is found in foods such as coffee, beer, unfiltered drinking water, grains, bananas, raisins, beans, lentils, and others.
In supplements, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of silicon might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Acide Orthosilicique, Atomic number 14, Dioxyde de Silicium, Numéro Atomique 14, Orthosilicic Acid, Phytolithic Silica, Si, Silica, Silica Hydride, Silice Hydride, Silicea, Silicio, Silicium, Silicium de Sodium, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Silicate.
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