Silica Supplements

Silicon is amongst the most abundant elements found in earth's crust. Its abundance is ranked second, only to oxygen. The compound silicon dioxide is same as silica. This chemical plays an important role in the nutrition and well-being of the body. It is primarily found in the bones, nails, hair and connective tissue of the body. The total quantity of silica in an average human body is approximately 7 grams. The ash of animal tissues and plants contain small quantities of silica. Integrity of skin, bones and tendons is maintained by silica. Prolyhydroxylase is an enzyme which plays important role in collagen formation, and silica is necessary for the synthesis of this enzyme. Collagen is the structural component of bones, cartilage, elastin and connective tissues. Thus, it can be seen that silica supplements are important from the point of view of getting this vital element and keeping the body nourished.

Supplements of Silica

There is no specific value (of silica) in terms of recommended dietary allowances for the body. However, the intake of 5-20 mg of silica is recommended from the point of maintaining a healthy body. Some of the sources recommend a daily dosage of 22-23 mg silica. There are also a few sources which find the dose of 100-1000 mg to be suitable. The following are some of the supplements of silica that one can take to ensure that the body is getting the silica that it needs.

Silica Complex Vegetarian: The main ingredient of this product is an extract obtained from 100% pure horsetail. Apart from the horsetail extract, other ingredients are included which makes this supplement a nice blend of nutrients. Silica Complex Vegetarian does not contain eggs, yeast, milk, sugar, gluten, wheat and other such ingredients. It is therefore, completely vegetarian. A single pack contains 90 tablets and which is priced at $9.49.

Super Silica Complex: It is a silica supplement recommended for maintaining a healthy body and especially bones, hair, nails, etc. The extract obtained from horsetail (snake grass) provides silica. The ingredients such as horsetail leaf extract, calcium, zinc, magnesium, boron and betaine hydrochloride together nourish the body. Other ingredients present in Super Silica Complex include dicalcium phosphate, stearic acid, cellulose and magnesium siearate. A bottle containing 60 tablets is priced at $7.99.

Silica Power: It is a vegetable-based supplement which contains silicon for nourishment of the body. The various ingredients of this supplement apart from silicosis acid include gelatin, rosemary oil, vitamin E and purified water. A dose of 1 capsule, 2 times a day is recommended. A pack of 60 tablets is priced at $7.86.

Supplements for Hair

Strengthening the hair is possible with intake of silica supplements. Natural supplements/foods like sunflower seeds, oats, rice, potatoes, etc. provide silica aplenty. The problem of split ends in hair can also be controlled with the intake of silica. The element, silicon is lost by the body quite regularly due to metabolic processes. It is therefore, necessary to replenish the lost amount. One of the benefits of using these supplements is that hair becomes elastic and does not break easily.

Side Effects of Silica Supplement

Regular intake of silica in small amounts is recommended. However, an overdose of this mineral can be harmful to the body. Intake of silica in a proportion that is more than required causes excess urination. People suffering from edema exhibit this symptom. To prevent the ill/side effects (for example, dehydration) of silica, one should drink adequate amounts of water.

Prolonged use of this supplements result into problems in the proper functioning of kidney. Excessive use can also cause the development of kidney stones. Kidney deterioration is one of the silica supplement dangers faced by people with excess intake.

Side effects of excess intake of silica too are given above. One should therefore, find the information to be useful.