Silica
Description
Silica is an abbreviation for silicon dioxide which is widely available in the earth's crust (as much as 60% making it the most abundant element). It is a major component in beach sand, or quartz.
The elemental form is silicon (Si).
There is also a homeopathic form: silicea.
Method of Action
Silicon is taken up by animals and plants, as well as man. Healthy hair, skin, nails and bones, depend upon silicon/silica.
Silicon may also be useful as an antidote to aluminum, which has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease.
Properties & Uses
Silicon is best-known these days for its use in electronics, the "silicon chip", "Silicon Valley".
It is also infamous for its role in silicosis (the dust breathed-in by miners, or knife grinders and the like, which ruins their lungs) and silicone implants.
Silicone, for implants and other purposes requiring a rubber-like compound, is a polymer compound of silicon used as a breast implant, as well as a "second-skin" interface for prosthetics, even orthotics.
We may also be familiar with the small packets of silica gel, used to absorb moisture in various products, including supplements as a desiccant.
Consequence of Deficiency
Besides the more cosmetic features (hair, skin and nails) silica is now recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular disease because of its role in maintaining flexible arteries.
Cosmetically, in an age of manicurists, the most frequent complaint which could benefit from silica supplementation, is cracking, or splitting, nails.
Toxicity Factors
Apart from silicosis, in which the silica is taken into the lungs, silica supplements, or the silica acquired from foods, or herbal sources, is natural and inert.
The lung damage is a mechanical action, of fine particles attacking the delicate lung tissue rather than a reaction by the body.
Recommended Dietary Allowance
Scientists have only regarded silicon as a key nutrient since 1972, so the definitive study has not yet been done.
Current "ball park" recommendations range between 20 and 45 mg per day, for adults.
Food Sources
Food sources include:
Grain husks e.g. barley, millet, oats and rice;
Green leafy vegetables e.g. artichokes, asparagus, beets and bell peppers;
Sunflower seeds.
Silica gel supplements are derived from quartz crystals.
Other supplements tend to be derived from the herbal source, horsetail, which are water-soluble. Algae are another rich source which is sometime sused.
References
Fulton-JE Jr: Silicone gel sheeting for the prevention and management of evolving hypertrophic and keloid scars. Dermatol-Surg. 1995 Nov; 21(11): 947-51.
Hotz-P et al: Subclinical signs of kidney dysfunction following short exposure to silica in the absence of silicosis. Nephron. 1995; 70(4): 438-42.
Koeger-AC et al: Silica-associated connective tissue disease. A study of 24 cases. Medicine-Baltimore. 1995 Sep; 74(5): 221-37.
Walji, Hasnain. 1992. The Vitamin Guide-Essential Nutrients for Healthy Living, Element Books, Dorset .U.K.
Walji, Hasnain. 1994. Vitamins, Minerals and Dietary Supplements - A definitive Guide to Healthy Eating . Hodder Headline Plc. London.
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