What Do Bamboo and Strong Bones Have in Common? Silicon!

A Key Component of Connective Tissue

In the human body, silicon is important for the formation of connective tissue, which is found in bones, teeth, cartilage, blood vessels, the lungs, organ membranes, skin and hair. Silicon compounds are involved in a range of metabolic processes, including energy-related reactions in the mitochondria. Silicon is also required for collagen synthesis and wound healing.

Bone strength, elasticity and cartilage health are influenced by silicon levels, as silicon plays an important role in the synthesis of connective tissue within the bones. Bone elasticity is linked to the ability of bones to withstand mechanical stress without fracturing, and this becomes increasingly important with age.

Silicon also supports the utilisation of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, contributes to bone formation and may help support the prevention of osteoporosis.

Supporting Vascular Elasticity

When silicon levels in the blood decline, blood vessels may become less elastic and less able to expand and contract effectively. An adequate intake of silicon helps support the normal function and elasticity of blood vessel walls.

A Natural Sorbent and Immune Support

Silicon can bind to and help the body eliminate toxins, metabolic by-products of pathogenic bacteria, as well as waste products produced through the activity of macrophages and other immune cells. A lack of silicon may also contribute to impaired immune function.

Research suggests that increasing the intake of bioavailable silicon may help reduce the accumulation of certain heavy metals in the brain and nervous tissue. There is also evidence suggesting that silicon may help protect against neurodegenerative processes associated, for example, with long-term exposure to aluminium compounds.

For Skin, Hair and Nails

The condition of the skin and hair is closely linked to the body’s silicon status. Silicon is involved in keratin formation, which directly affects the quality of the skin’s outermost layer as well as the structure of the hair.

Maintaining adequate silicon levels may help support the strength and elasticity of the hair shaft.

Studies also suggest that silicon levels in the body gradually decline with age. This decrease may begin as early as childhood and become more noticeable after the age of 35, potentially affecting skin elasticity.

How to Increase Your Silicon Intake

Sources of silicon include:

·       certain thermal waters rich in orthosilicic acid compounds;

·       foods, particularly wholegrains, which are among the richest dietary sources of silicon, as well as root vegetables, certain other vegetables, leafy greens, apples with the skin on, mussels and some other shellfish;

·       food supplements as an additional source.

When choosing a silicon supplement, it is worth remembering that the mineral form — silicon dioxide — is generally less bioavailable than silicon derived from plant extracts.

Bamboo and nettle extracts are particularly rich sources of silicon. Pure organic bamboo and nettle extracts form the basis of the Sanatur Silicium 100% Vegetable food supplement.

The recommended daily serving of 2 capsules provides a guaranteed 170 mg of silicon, helping to maintain an optimal intake of this valuable trace element.

Did you know?

·       Silicon is sometimes called the “king of the inorganic world”, as it is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust after oxygen, accounting for almost 30% of its mass. Silicon compounds form the basis of countless minerals, from granite and sandstone to precious and semi-precious stones such as amethyst, chalcedony, carnelian, opal and jasper.

·       Silicon has played an important role throughout human history. Some of the earliest tools were made from silicon-rich minerals, while flint was later used to create sparks for making fire. The end of the 20th century is sometimes referred to as the Silicon Age, because computer chips are made from silicon — a material without which today’s digital world would be unimaginable.

·       Silicon also plays an important structural role in the natural world. Both plants and animals rely on silicon compounds as part of their biological structure.