Silica and Silicon: Effect, Forms and Intake

Silica is one of the best-known natural products relating to skin, hair and nails – and at the same time one of the most frequently misunderstood. Behind the name lies above all silicon dioxide, a natural compound of the trace element silicon. In this guide you will learn factually what silica and silicon actually are, in which forms and foods they occur, what you should pay attention to when taking and buying them and which safety aspects are important. Important beforehand: there are currently no EU-authorised health-related claims for silicon, which is why we deliberately inform here soberly and without promises of effect.

What are silica and silicon?

Silicon is, after oxygen, the second most common element of the earth's crust. In nature it almost never occurs in pure form, but bound as silicon dioxide or in silicates – that is, in sand, quartz and many rocks. Silica is a fine, powdery sedimentary rock that consists predominantly of silicon dioxide. It arises from the shells of tiny diatoms and is offered ground as a food supplement or in cosmetics.

In the body, silicon is found in very small amounts, among other places in connective and supporting tissues. The exact requirement of humans is not conclusively clarified scientifically, which is why there is also no official intake recommendation for silicon in the narrower sense. Specialist authorities classify silicon as a trace element whose role in metabolism is not yet fully understood.

The name "silica" occasionally misleads: it is not garden soil, but a very fine, light natural powder of mineral origin. Historically, silica was valued in folk lore for various purposes, which shapes its good reputation to this day. From today's perspective, it makes sense to distinguish between this traditional image and the current scientific assessment – precisely because many promises circulate around the topic that cannot be upheld legally.

Occurrence and forms

Before thinking about a supplement, it is worth looking at the plate: we take in silicon quite naturally through our normal diet. Good plant sources include, among others:

• wholegrain cereals such as oats, barley and millet
• drinks such as beer (through the barley) and certain mineral waters
• bananas, pulses and green beans
• herbs such as horsetail, which is traditionally used

As a food supplement, silicon comes across you in several forms. Best known is classic silica as powder or capsule (silicon dioxide). Alongside this there is colloidal silicic acid as a gel or liquid as well as stabilised forms such as choline-stabilised orthosilicic acid. The forms differ in their solubility and the type of application. Horsetail extracts are also offered because of their natural silicon content.

For practice this means above all differences in handling. Powder can be dosed flexibly and stirred into drinks, but has a fine, partly sandy mouthfeel. Capsules are taste-neutral and practical for on the go. Gels and liquids are considered pleasant to take. Which form is the best therefore depends less on a supposedly stronger effect than on personal preference and on how well the intake fits into everyday life. In any case, a transparent labelling of the amount contained is important.

Intake and dosage

Because there is no official reference amount for silicon, the dosage from product to product is based on the manufacturer's information. As a rule, stick to the recommended daily amount stated on the packaging and do not exceed it. Powdered silica is usually stirred into water and taken with enough fluid. Capsules and gels have a fixed portion size, which makes handling easier.

Since silica binds water, it makes sense to drink enough over the day. Ideally take the supplement with some time interval from medication, since mineral powders can influence the absorption of some drugs. As with all food supplements: they are no substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy way of life.

Anyone who wants to try a supplement is best beginning with the lowest recommended amount and observing their own tolerance over a few days. Taking it at a fixed time of day – such as in the morning with the first glass of water – helps not to forget the routine. Combining several silicon-containing products at the same time is not advisable, since the amounts would otherwise add up unnoticed. In principle: more is not better, and exceeding the manufacturer's information brings no advantage.

What you should look for when buying

When buying, a checking look at several points is worthwhile. Pay attention to a clear declaration of the silicon source and the amount contained per daily portion. Reputable providers make transparent statements about ingredients, origin and recommended consumption amount. A short list of ingredients without unnecessary additives is often a good sign. With natural silica, a tested purity is also important, since it is a mineral powder. Do not be led by exaggerated promises of effect – for silicon, health-related claims are not authorised in the EU, so corresponding advertising would not be permissible.

The dosage form may also suit your own preference: those who prefer capsules should pay attention to well-tolerated capsule shells; those who reach for powder, to a fine grinding. Price-wise there are large differences that are not always reflected in quality. A comparison of the amount per daily portion in relation to the price creates more clarity here than the pure look at the package price. Trustworthy providers also give information when asked, and do not advertise with healing statements that are not permitted legally anyway.

Safety and notes

Silicon from foods and silica is generally considered well tolerated at usual intake; excess silicon is largely excreted again. Nevertheless there are points to note: those who tend towards digestive complaints should dose powder gradually and drink plenty. People with impaired kidney function, pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as persons who take medication regularly should discuss the intake medically beforehand. Always stick to the recommended consumption amount and do not carelessly combine several silicon-containing products. In case of uncertainty or health questions, speak with your doctor – this guide serves solely general information and does not replace individual advice.

A further point concerns the purity of natural mineral powders. Because silica comes from natural deposits, reputable manufacturers pay attention to regular controls and give information about the origin. A look at corresponding statements is worthwhile, as is a critical approach to products that are conspicuously cheap and at the same time advertise with big promises. Those who want to use horsetail should pay attention to standardised preparations and clear consumption instructions. In this way the application remains manageable and safe within the framework of a normal diet.

Honestly assessed

Silica is a natural product rich in tradition that many people value for skin, hair and nails. From a scientific and legal point of view, however, the state of facts is reserved: for silicon there are no authorised claims of effect in the EU, and the exact requirement is not conclusively clarified. Anyone who wants to try silica can do so within the framework of a balanced diet, but should have realistic expectations and choose products that appear factual and transparent.

In the end there is a simple message: silica and silicon-containing foods can be part of a conscious diet, but are no miracle cure. Those who value healthy skin, hair and nails benefit above all from an overall balanced diet, enough fluid, good sleep and a gentle approach to the skin. Food supplements such as silica can fit into this picture, but do not replace the basics. With this sober view, the topic can be classified in a relaxed way – without exaggerated hopes and without unnecessary worries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between silica and silicon?

Silicon is the chemical trace element, silica is a natural sedimentary rock that consists predominantly of silicon dioxide – a compound of silicon and oxygen. Silica is therefore a natural source of silicon.

In which foods is silicon found?

Good sources are wholegrain cereals such as oats and barley, pulses, green beans and bananas as well as certain mineral waters. The traditionally used horsetail is also known for its natural silicon content.

How do you take silica correctly?

Stick to the daily amount stated on the packaging. Powder is usually stirred into water and drunk with enough fluid, capsules and gels have a fixed portion size. A time interval from medication is advisable.

Does silicon have an authorised health effect?

No. For silicon there are currently no authorised health-related claims in the EU. Products may therefore make no concrete promises of effect. The exact requirement of humans is not yet conclusively clarified scientifically.

Is silica safe?

At usual intake, silica is generally considered well tolerated. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with kidney problems or regular medication intake should, however, discuss the intake medically beforehand and always stick to the recommended consumption amount.