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Silicon - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms and Food Sources
What is Silicon?
Silicon, an abundant trace mineral in nature is proving to be an essential ingredient for stronger bones, better skin and more flexible joints. It is present in the soil and is actually the most abundant mineral in the earth's crust, as carbon is the most abundant in plant and animal tissues. Silicon is hypothesized to play an essential role in the body, but this is uncertain. Silicon supplements are currently marketed for improving the health of bone, skin, hair, and nails.
Uses and Benefits of Silicon
It contributes greatly to the strength and integrity of bones everywhere in the body. It is also essential for the growth of hair, nails, and teeth, and is, therefore often called the 'beauty mineral' . It also makes the eyes bright and protects the skin from becoming flabby. It is beneficial in all healing processes and protects the body against many diseases, such as tuberculosis, irritations in the mucous membranes, and skin disorders.
Recommended Dosage for Silicon
The daily dietary intake of silicon is estimated to be between 20 to 50 mg, with lower intakes associated with animal-based diets and higher intakes associated with vegetarian diets. The average diet is estimated to provide 5 to 20 mg of silicon per day-an amount that appears adequate. When used as a supplement, common amounts range from 1 to 2 mg per day.
Deficiency Symptoms of Silicon
The common deficiency symptoms of silicon are -
- Impaired bone growth.
- Disturbances of bone formation and pigmentation of frontal teeth.
- Increased susceptibility to coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.
- Aging of skin (wrinkles).
- Thinning or loss of hair.
- Poor bone development.
- Soft or brittle nails.
- Slow healing.
- Fatigue.
- Dull/glazed eyes.
- Decreased growth.
- Skin pallor.
- Deterioration of memory.
- Tooth demineralization.
- Abnormal tooth enamel.
Rich Food Sources of Silicon
Good dietary sources for silicon include whole-grain breads and cereals, root vegetables, and beer. A form of silicon called silicates is added to some processed foods. Good dietary sources for silicon include whole-grain breads and cereals, root vegetables, and beer. A form of silicon called silicates is added to some processed foods. Silicon is also found in the following herbs: Alfalfa, bilberry, birch, black cohosh, black walnut, burdock, caraway, celery, chaparral, corn silk, couch grass, dulse, eyebright, feverfew, gentian, ginseng, hawthorn, horsetail, jojoba, kelp, marjoram, nettle, oatstraw, oregon grape, parsley, peppermint, rose hips, sage, shave grass, stevia, thyme.