Silicon : what is silicon ?

Silicon is a trace element that is found in the body as well as in certain plant foods. Although it is not one of the so-called essential trace elements, it is an important element for the immune system and for maintaining good bone health.

Characteristics of silicon:

Non-essential trace element but important for the body
Found in mineral water and plant foods
Helps to fix calcium and fight bone demineralization
Organic silicon is used to relieve various diseases, mainly bone, joint and cutaneous

Why consume foods rich in silicon?

Benefits of Silicon

Fixes the calcium

Silicon plays a role in the fixation of calcium, including silicon in the osteoid border where the bone is built.

Participates in immunity

There is a high concentration of silicon in the thymus, an essential organ of the immune system. It also plays a role in the manufacture of antibodies.

Fight against osteoarthritis

It seems that silicon supplemented with a balanced diet has a positive effect on people with osteoarthritis.

Silicon and hair

Organic silicon contributes to the structuring of connective tissues and integuments (skin, nails, hair). Silicon would stimulate the production of keratin and thus help keep hair healthy.

Silicon-rich foods

The food composition table of ANSES does not indicate the precise silicon content of foods. Here is a list of the 20 richest foods in silicon:

Wheat and oat bran
Wheat complete
Barley
Oats
Spelled
Complete bread
White beans
Lenses
Green beans
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Almonds
Nuts
Dates
Apple
Banana
Persil
Garlic
Onion
Drinking waters

How to use silicon well?

Use of organic silicon

In 2000, the AFSSA decided to provide 5mg of silicon per day for a healthy adult.

What is silicon dioxide?

Silicon dioxide does not have much to do with organic silicon. It is a combination of oxygen and synthetic silicon used as a food additive (E551) for its anti-caking properties.

Organic Silicon G5: Benefits and Opinions

Silicon G5 is the form of organic silicon best assimilated by the body. It would minimize the risk of crystallization in the kidneys since it is the naturally occurring form in the tissues: bone, skin, hair, tendons, etc.

Dietary supplements based on organic silicon are often in the form of gel, capsules or oral solution. It is generally recommended for use in people with bone and joint diseases (osteoarthritis, arthritis, osteoporosis, etc.). They are also recommended for some elderly people to prevent bone demineralization. Before taking silicon, seek the advice of your doctor. Indeed, there are some contraindications to the use of organic silicon.

Is organic silicon dangerous?

Organic silicon is a trace element that has been debated for many, many years. While some define it as a miracle supplement, others think it inefficient or even dangerous. At the moment there is no danger of organic silicon on health. However, no sound scientific study demonstrates or justifies its effectiveness.

How long does it take to cure a silicon cure?

An intensive silicon treatment generally lasts between 1 and 6 months depending on the problem and the context. To find the right dose for your situation, consult a health professional.

Undesirable effects of silicon

Consequence of a silicon deficiency

No studies have shown the result of a silicon deficiency in humans. In contrast, in rats there was a decrease in collagen and abnormalities in the bones in cases of deficiencies. The silicon content of the body does not decrease with age, however its distribution changes. Thus the skin, the thymus or the cartilage will see their silicon concentration decrease for example.

Side effects of excess silicon

The excess of silicon is directly eliminated by the kidneys, so it does not present a risk for the body except in cases of renal failure .

Interaction of silicon with aluminum

Silicon reduces the assimilation and accumulation of aluminum. It could thus participate in the prevention of certain neurodegenerative diseases by decreasing the toxicity of aluminum on the cells of the nervous system.

Chemical Properties

The silicon symbol is Si, its atomic number is 14. The silicon has an atomic mass of 28.0855 u. After oxygen, it is the most abundant element in the earth’s crust that it makes up more than 25%. In its natural state, it is a solid, dark gray element.

Nutrient History

Silica is known since ancient times. However, it was not until 1823 that J. Jacob Berzelius succeeded in isolating silicon. Much later in 1957, the synthesis of organic silicon was made possible by N. Duffaut who managed to stabilize it with salicylic acid. Very quickly, organic silicon will be subjected to numerous clinical trials and in particular in the areas of cardiology, oncology and rheumatology.

In the 1970s, Dr. Loïc Ribault began to be interested by chance in the benefits of organic silicon on skin conditions. He realizes then that a multitude of affections respond favorably to treatments based on silicon. Thus, in the 1980s the two men will associate to finally develop the G5 silicon that will be born in 1994. Since then, G5 Silicon although controversial is used around the world to relieve various bone diseases, articular, cutaneous, etc.

Also read: Methionine, an essential amino acid for health