Silica (Silicon Dioxide)
Cross-links collagen fibers to strengthen bones, skin, hair, and nails — best absorbed as orthosilicic acid.
Silicon is the third most abundant trace mineral in the body and plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis and connective tissue health. It's particularly concentrated in bones, skin, hair, and nails. Supplementation may support bone mineral density, improve skin elasticity, and strengthen hair and nails. Bioavailable forms like orthosilicic acid are best absorbed.
Essential for proper collagen structure
Supports calcium deposition in bones
Strengthens keratin in hair and nails
How Silica works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
5-10mg elemental silicon daily
Loading: Not required
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) | Recommended |
| 💊Orthosilicic acid | Alternative |
| 💊Horsetail extract (natural source) | Alternative |
| 💊Bamboo extract | Alternative |
ch-OSA (BioSil brand) is most bioavailable. Horsetail and bamboo are natural sources but absorption is lower.
Minimum: 12 weeks
Optimal: 24 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Bioavailability varies greatly by form. Orthosilicic acid (OSA) or choline-stabilized OSA are best absorbed.
Less breakage and improved thickness
Less brittleness and breakage
Better skin elasticity and texture
May support bone mineral density
Consult healthcare provider
May affect mineral balance; monitor if on long-term diuretic therapy
Silicon may bind to aluminum; separate doses by 2+ hours
Tip: Take with food
Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers
Howlett P et al. • Thorax (2024)
“Despite significant heterogeneity, our findings support a reduction in permissible exposure limits from 0.1 mg/m3 to 0.05 mg/m³, particularly among mining populations.”
Su X et al. • BMJ open (2023)
“The incidence of pneumoconiosis in occupational workers was 0.093 and seven factors were found to be associated with the incidence, providing some insight into the prevention of pneumoconiosis.”
Zhou Y et al. • Journal of biochemical and molecular toxicology (2023)
“Further analysis showed that among the selected studies, six studies showed a significant correlation between combined exposure to silica and smoking with an increased risk of lung cancer. The data from the present study showed that smoking habits increased the impact of silica exposure on the initiation of lung carcinogenesis in exposed workers.”
Rey-Brandariz J et al. • Environmental health : a global access science source (2023)
“There is a wide degree of heterogeneity in RCS exposure categories, with most studies observing no significant risk of lung cancer for the lowest exposure categories.”
Anlimah F et al. • Environmental science and pollution research international (2023)
“This systematic-review examined the effects of Silica.”
What would you like to do next?
Collagen
9/10Hydrolyzed peptides that rebuild skin elasticity, reduce joint pain, and strengthen bone density — results build over 8-12 weeks.
Calcium
8.8/10Builds and maintains bone density while supporting muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and cardiovascular function.
Manganese
7.5/10Cofactor for mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and enzymes involved in bone formation, blood clotting, and macronutrient metabolism.
Hyaluronic Acid
8/10Holds 1,000x its weight in water — oral supplementation improves skin hydration, reduces wrinkles, and supports joint comfort.
Tap node to isolate • Pinch to zoom • Tap edge for research