The Best Silicon Supplement: Effects, Benefits, and Which to Choose
Silicon plays a role in the body and is available in various forms, from highly absorbable to less so, and from liquid silicon to capsules. But which should you choose? And what should you consider when purchasing a silicon supplement? Let's explore.
What is Silicon?
Silicon is a mineral naturally found in the earth's crust, our bodies, and in foods such as whole grains, vegetables, and water.
Want to know more? Read all about silicon here.
Silicon Drops, Powder, or Capsules: Which is Best?
Silicon comes in different forms: drops, powder, and capsules. The best choice for you depends on your preference and how well your body absorbs it.
- Liquid Silicon (drops): is quickly absorbed by the body and is convenient to use.
- Silicon Powder: can be mixed with water or juice, but absorption can depend on the form.
- Silicon Capsules/Tablets: easy to take, but absorption may be slower than with liquid forms.
Elemental Silicon or Bioactive (OSA) Silicon?
Not all silicon supplements are equally absorbed by the body. There are different forms of silicon, the most common are:
- Bioactive Silicon (OSA - orthosilicic acid): this is the most bioavailable form of silicon. Choline-stabilised orthosilicic acid (Ch-OSA) is often used in supplements because choline aids in stabilisation and absorption.
- Organic Silicon: this type of silicon needs to be converted in the body to release bioavailable silicon.
- Monosilicic Acid (H2SiO3): a hydrated form of orthosilicic acid that sometimes occurs in water. It can be converted in the body to orthosilicic acid, but is less stable and slightly less absorbable.
- Hydrolysed Silicon: this occurs when silicon dioxide (SiO₂) is dissolved in water, leading to the formation of silicon nanoparticles. This is less absorbable than orthosilicic acid and often requires a higher dose for the same effect.
- Elemental Silicon: this is the solid, natural form of silicon commonly found in the earth's crust. Although present in food, it is hardly absorbed by the body.
Buying Silicon? Here's What to Consider
When choosing a silicon supplement, it's important to consider a few factors:
- Form: choose a supplement that matches your preference, such as liquid, powder, or capsules. Liquid forms of silicon are often absorbed more quickly, while capsules are easier to take.
- Absorbability: bioactive silicon (OSA) is better absorbed than elemental silicon, providing more benefits to your body. Pay attention to the bioavailability.
- Excipients and Fillers: check the ingredient list and avoid unnecessary additives such as excipients, fillers, and flavourings or sugars. A pure product is better for your body!
- Dosage: look at the amount of silicon per dose and choose a product that meets your needs.
Good to Know
Opt for a well-absorbed form such as bioactive (OSA) silicon and pay attention to the dosage and purity of the product. By choosing the best silicon, you can make the most of this mineral!
Sources
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- Stichting Orthokennis. (n.d.). Silicon. Retrieved on 27 February 2025, from https://www.orthokennis.nl/nutrienten/silicium
- Stichting Orthokennis. (2024, 29 April). Silicon Essential for Health. Retrieved on 27 February 2025, from https://www.orthokennis.nl/artikelen/silicium
- Stichting Orthokennis. (2024, 29 April). Silicon Promotes Fracture Healing. Retrieved on 27 February 2025, from https://www.orthokennis.nl/nieuws/silicium-bevordert-herstel-botbreuken
- KNOV. (n.d.). Scientific Advice on Silicon for the Prevention of Pelvic Instability. Retrieved on 27 February 2025, from https://assets.knov.nl/p/557056/none/PDF%20Nieuws/KNOV_Wed__Adv__-_Sillicium_definitief.pdf
- IVG. (n.d.). Silicon. When is a Silicon Supplement Useful?. Retrieved on 27 February 2025, from https://www.ivg-info.nl/voedingssupplementen/mineralen/silicium/
- Holistik. (n.d.). Silicon: What 10 Drops of This Magical Mineral Do. Retrieved on 27 February 2025, from https://holistik.nl/silicium/
- Mens en Gezondheid. (n.d.). The Healing Power of Organic Silicon. Retrieved on 27 February 2025, from https://mens-en-gezondheid.infonu.nl/natuurgeneeswijze/129799-de-geneeskracht-van-organisch-silicium.html
- Mens en Gezondheid. (n.d.). Silicon, Bones, and Connective Tissue. Retrieved on 27 February 2025, from https://mens-en-gezondheid.infonu.nl/gezonde-voeding/115418-silicium-botten-en-bindweefsel.html
