Silica

About Silica

Trace mineral involved in collagen cross-linking, glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and bone mineralization. Population studies associate higher silicon intake (~40 mg/day) with greater bone mineral density. Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA, brand BioSil) is the most clinically studied form with ~50% bioavailability. Silicon dioxide and plant-derived silica (bamboo, horsetail) have poor bioavailability (<7%). Average dietary intake is 20–50 mg/day. No established RDA or UL.

What Silica supports

• 🦴Supports bone mineralization and collagen formation
• ✨Promotes skin elasticity and reduces roughness
• 💇Strengthens hair and reduces nail brittleness

How much Silica to take

Clinical studies typically use 5–30 mg of Silica. Clinical trials use 5–30 mg elemental silicon/day. ch-OSA studies typically use 6–12 mg Si/day for bone and 10 mg Si/day for skin/hair/nails.

Effective range

5–30 mg

Forms of Silica compared

• ch-OSA (BioSil)Premium
  Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid; the only oral form with strong RCT data.
• Orthosilicic acidPremium
  Bioavailable silicon form; less studied than ch-OSA.
• MonomethylsilanetriolStandard
  Liquid silicon form; some bioavailability data.
• Bamboo extractBudget
  70%+ silica from bamboo; absorption is poor without ch-OSA stabilization.
• Silicon dioxideBudget
  Minimal oral bioavailability
• Colloidal silicaBudget
  Poorly absorbed particulate form

Clinical evidence

Moderate clinical evidence. A few clinical trials on bone and skin health, but evidence is limited to specific forms like ch-OSA