There are two forms of silicon in nature, organic and mineral.

Mineral silicon is found in the earth's crust.

Organic silicon is a trace element found in the human body and in certain plants.

It differs from the mineral form in its composition.

It is associated with the carbon or hydrogen atom.

In the body, silicon plays several essential roles.

The use of organic silicon can therefore provide various health benefits.

Properties

Organic silicon plays an important role in the body.

In general, it helps maintain bone health and the immune system.

It is mainly found in connective tissues, bones, cartilage, the thymus, appendages, vessel walls and even the liver.

Silicon is involved in the synthesis of collagen (the main component of ligaments, tendons and cartilage), elastin (the raw material of blood vessels) and hyaluronic acid.

It also helps to fix magnesium and calcium in the body.

It also enhances the effects of copper and zinc.

To stimulate natural defences, silicon contributes to the production of immune system cells and certain antibodies.

The health benefits of silicon

• Preservation of bone capital
• Reduces the risk of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and atherosclerosis
• Maintains healthy hair and nails
• Softens, firms and tones the skin
• Reduces blood pressure
• Promotes healing
• Delays the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks

Indications

• Deminesalization, decalcification
• Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis
• Coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis

Sources and daily needs: where to find organic silicon?

Unlike organic silicon, mineral silicon has no therapeutic properties.

Ingestion of mineral silicon can cause serious kidney problems.

It is important to know that our bodies cannot convert mineral silicon into organic silicon.

Only some plants (stinging nettle, bamboo, horsetail) and diatoms (micro-organisms) are capable of this transformation.

Eating nettle, horsetail, or bamboo provides a natural source of silicon in the diet.

These plants have the highest levels of organic silicon.

Other foods also contain organic silicon, but at low levels: fruit skins, wholemeal wheat, barley, oats, white beans, etc.

Organic silicon is also available as a food supplement.

Again, taking these supplements is only recommended for people who suffer from a deficiency or assimilation disorder of the trace element.

Silicon is also present in certain cosmetic products, but in its derivative form (silica hydrate, silica dimethyl silicate and silylated silica).

It is mainly used in anti-ageing products.

To be healthy, an adult needs between 20 and 50 mg of silicon per day.

This requirement may increase with age.

The body eliminates excess silicon directly in the urine.

There is therefore no risk of overdosing, except in the case of kidney failure.