Oceanic Silica from Red Algae, Solgar, 100 Caps

Benefits

• May help support healthy hair, skin and nails.
• Helps support the formation of collagen and connective tissue.
• May help support healthy bones as part of a balanced diet.
• May help support strong, resilient nails.
• Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support healthy connective tissue.
• Traditionally used (horsetail) as a mild diuretic to support fluid balance.

What people commonly use it for

• Brittle, splitting nails (Some clinical studies suggest it may help)
• Thin, dull hair (Some clinical studies suggest it may help)
• Skin firmness and elasticity (Early research only)
• Bone strength as we age (Some clinical studies suggest it may help)
• Joint stiffness (Early research only)

Suggested to use alongside

• Biotin: Nutrient for hair and nails
• Collagen: Supports skin, hair and nails
• Vitamin C: Needed for collagen formation

Silicon is the second most abundant element in the earth's crust. In the diet, it is absorbed as orthosilicic acid (Si(OH)4), the soluble form your body can use. Most dietary silicon, from grains, beer, bananas and green beans, is bound in fibre or in poorly soluble forms, so absorption varies widely.

Silicon appears to have a role in building connective tissue. It is thought to help the enzyme prolyl hydroxylase, needed to make collagen, and to support glycosaminoglycans in skin and cartilage. Silicon is also concentrated at sites of active bone formation.

Common supplement sources differ:

• Bamboo extract: up to 70 per cent silica, and traditionally used for hair and nails.
• Horsetail (Equisetum arvense): a plant rich in silicic acid, also containing flavonoids and minerals. Used traditionally in Europe.
• Choline-stabilised orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA): a stabilised form with higher bioavailability that has been the subject of most clinical studies.
• Colloidal silica and silicon dioxide: less bioavailable.

Human research includes a trial in women with photoaged skin and a trial of nail and hair quality using ch-OSA (Wickett et al., 2007, Archives of Dermatological Research), both finding modest improvements. A study by Spector et al. (2008, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders) looked at bone collagen markers. Studies are small, so results should be viewed with caution (see Examine.com). There is no established recommended dietary intake for silicon.

• Pack size: 100 Caps
• Form: Capsules

Since 1947 Provides Elemental Silicon Silicon May Support Bone Health Non-GMO Gluten, Wheat & Dairy Free Suitable for Vegans Kosher Parve Dietary Supplement Silica obtained from marine-derived Red Algae Powder (Lithothamnion corallioides) is a source of the natural trace element silicon. Silicon is found in many unrefined grains and in some seafood sources, including mussels. Silicon intake has been positively associated with bone health.

Supplement Facts

Serving Size: 2 Vegetable Capsules

Servings Per Container: 50

Amount Per Serving: %DV

Calcium: 200 mg 15%

Silica (from red algae powder (Lithothamnium corallioides)) (50 mg elemental silicon): 108 mg **

Free Of: Gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, yeast, sugar, sodium, artificial flavor, sweetener, preservatives and color.

Warnings

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have a medical condition, please consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any dietary supplement. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare practitioner if any adverse reactions occur. Keep out of reach of children. at room temperature. Do not use if outer bottle seal is missing or damaged.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

Supplier ref: Oceanic Silica from Red Algae, 100 Vegetable Capsules

What is silica good for?

Silica is popular for supporting hair, skin and nail health and for helping maintain strong connective tissue and bones.

Is silica the same as silicon?

Silicon is the element, silica is silicon bound to oxygen (silicon dioxide), and orthosilicic acid is the form your body absorbs best.

What is the best source of silica?

Bamboo and horsetail are natural plant sources, and stabilised orthosilicic acid is the form most studied in people.

How long does silica take to work?

Hair and nails grow slowly, so most people allow three to six months of regular use.

Can I take silica with biotin?

Yes, they are often combined in beauty formulas. Biotin and silica support hair and nails in different ways.

Is silica in the little sachets in food packs safe to eat?

Those are silica gel desiccants and are not for eating. Supplement silica is a different, food-grade material.

Horsetail can contain small amounts of nicotine-like compounds and may act as a diuretic, so avoid long-term use, and avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Speak to a health professional if you have a kidney condition or take diuretics, lithium or medicines affecting thiamine. Take with water.

Solgar has made premium supplements in the USA since 1947, known for its gold-standard quality testing.

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