Silicon

Silicon's primary function seems to be to help develop and maintain the structural and functional integrity of connective tissue and bone. The "ground" substance or matrix of bone and any collagenous tissue is largely composed of substances called mucopolysaccharides. Silicon is known to be an essential component of these substances, and is also thought to help form the connections among the mucopolysaccharides and the structural proteins. So not only is silicon necessary for the "architecture" of the bones and connective tissue, but for the functional strength, too. To get an idea of how important silicon is to health, it's only necessary to run down the list of tissues where silicon is found in high concentrations: bone, blood vessels (especially the aorta), heart, muscle, skin, hair, cartilage, ligaments, liver, lung, and brain.

Silicon (and the mucopolysaccharides) is also essential to healing, the regulation of the transfer of nutrients and water in connective tissue membranes, and embryonic development.

Silicon is a trace mineral. The functions of silicon are not well understood, although silicon probably plays a role in making and maintaining connective tissue. Silicon is present in areas of bone that are undergoing mineralization, which indicates that this mineral might be important for normal bone function; however, evidence for this has not been confirmed in humans.

Where is it found ?

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.

Who is likely to be deficient ?

Silicon is not an essential mineral. Deficiencies have not been reported.

How much to take

No RDA for silicon has been determined. Because silicon is so abundant, a diet of natural foods would most likely supply plenty of this mineral. However, few people subsist on a diet of natural foods. By removing the fibrous portion of grain and refining sugar beets and cane, most of the available silicon is removed. Muscle and organ meats are generally low in silicon, although connective tissue, bones, and skin are high. Beer happens to be a good source of silicon, too. Silicon is available in various supplemental forms, and is sometimes included in multimineral supplements.

Side effects

A high dietary intake of silicon is not associated with any toxic effects. Inhalation of large amounts of silicon (in an industrial setting) can cause the respiratory disease silicosis.

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