Institute of Mineral Research

Life Sciences - Health & Wellness

  • Home
  • Open Access
  • Mineral Elements
  • Conditions A-Z
  • Submissions
  • About Us

Silicon: the health benefits of a metalloid.

Met Ions Life Sci. 2013;13:451-73

Authors: Martin KR

Abstract
Silicon is the second most abundant element in nature behind oxygen. As a metalloid, silicon has been used in many industrial applications including use as an additive in the food and beverage industry. As a result, humans come into contact with silicon through both environmental exposures but also as a dietary component. Moreover, many forms of silicon, that is, Si bound to oxygen, are water-soluble, absorbable, and potentially bioavailable to humans presumably with biological activity. However, the specific biochemical or physiological functions of silicon, if any, are largely unknown although generally thought to exist. As a result, there is growing interest in the potential therapeutic effects of water-soluble silica on human health. For example, silicon has been suggested to exhibit roles in the structural integrity of nails, hair, and skin, overall collagen synthesis, bone mineralization, and bone health and reduced metal accumulation in Alzheimer’s disease, immune system health, and reduction of the risk for atherosclerosis. Although emerging research is promising, much additional, corroborative research is needed particularly regarding speciation of health-promoting forms of silicon and its relative bioavailability. Orthosilicic acid is the major form of bioavailable silicon whereas thin fibrous crystalline asbestos is a health hazard promoting asbestosis and significant impairment of lung function and increased cancer risk. It has been proposed that relatively insoluble forms of silica can also release small but meaningful quantities of silicon into biological compartments. For example, colloidal silicic acid, silica gel, and zeolites, although relatively insoluble in water, can increase concentrations of water-soluble silica and are thought to rely on specific structural physicochemical characteristics. Collectively, the food supply contributes enough silicon in the forms aforementioned that could be absorbed and significantly improve overall human health despite the negative perception of silica as a health hazard. This review discusses the possible biological potential of the metalloid silicon as bioavailable orthosilicic acid and the potential beneficial effects on human health.

PMID: 24470100 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Articles

  • Bioactive sterols from marine resources and their potential benefits for human health
  • Biological activities and potential health benefits of bioactive peptides derived from marine organisms
  • The chemistry of silica and its potential health benefits.

Filed Under: Journal Publications Tagged With: Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, bone health, Silica

SEARCH

Silicon Biochemistry

Silicon as an Essential Trace Element in Animal Nutrition
Author: Edith Muriel Carlisle
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE (PDF)

Published in 1899

The Physiological Role of Mineral Nutrients

Author: Loew, Oscar, b. 1844 Volume: no.18 Subject: Plant physiology; Plants Assimilation; Minerals Publisher: Washington : G.P.O. Year: 1899 Possible … Read this book online

Most Recent Posts

  • Update on Nutrients Involved in Maintaining Healthy Bone
  • Lithium as a Nutrient
  • Does Potassium Deficiency Contribute to Hypertension in Children and Adolescents?
  • Iodine deficiency: Clinical implications.

View by Category

  • Clinical Trials / Studies
  • Elements
  • Journal Publications
  • Open Access
  • Seawater
  • Elements
  • Open Access
  • Journal Publications
  • Clinical Trials / Studies
About Us
About Open Access
For Authors
Our Contributors and Partners
Contact
Privacy
Terms & Conditions

Copyright ©2014 - 2018 Institute of Mineral Research