Silicon

Requirements:

• RDA: none
• Daily Optimal Intake: 20 - 50 mg.

Supplement Forms:

• Usually found in specific 'bone-health' formulas

Labs:

• Due to limited data, this information is unavailable

Food Sources:

• High fiber foods
  
  Rice
  Oats
  Whole wheat
  Barley
• Raisins
• Turnips
• Beets
• Soybeans
• Beans

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency:

• Brittle nails and hair
• Poor skin quality

Causes of Deficiency:

• Possibly high intake of processed foods

Adverse Reactions and Toxicity:

• None known

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• High intake of molybdenum, magnesium and flouride reduce silicon in the body

Biochemical Functions:

• Necessary for proper bone formation
• Necessary for connective tissue formation

Clinical Indications:

• Atherosclerosis
• Osteoporosis
• Strengthen hair
• Strengthen nails

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).