Silicon

The mineral silicon is an essential mineral for the human body and has a primary function in helping develop and maintain the structural and functional integrity of the connective tissues and the skeletal system. Carbohydrate based compounds known as mucopolysaccharides form much of the "ground" substance or the material matrix of bone and all collagenous tissues in the human body. Most of these compounds and chemical substances contain silicon as an essential component and the presence of this mineral is believed to aid in the formation of all the vital connections between the compounds classed as mucopolysaccharides and the structural proteins. Silicon is thus not only necessary for the formation of the cellular "architecture" that underlies the skeletal system and the connective tissues, but it is essential for the functional strength and stability of the tissues as well. A list of all the tissues in the human body that contain high concentrations of silicon gives an idea of how important silicon is to the maintenance of human health, major tissues in the body such as the skeletal framework, the various blood vessels - the aorta in particular, the heart and musculature, the skin and hair, the cartilage and ligaments, as well as soft tissues like the liver, the lungs and the brain.

There are also other essential functions that silicon fulfills in the human body in combination with mucopolysaccharides such as in the rapid healing of tissues, chemical regulations involving the transfer of nutrients and water in the membranes of the connective tissues as well as embryonic development and growth.

The term trace mineral is applicable to silicon as it is required in certain processes and structures in the human body. While the mineral silicon probably has a role in the maintenance and formation of major connective tissues, the actual functions of silicon in the body are not well understood. Certain areas of the bone that are in the process of mineralization have stores of silicon in large amounts, these indicate that the mineral is vital for the functioning of bones at a normal rate; The actual evidence for this situation in humans is still not available from the research carried out so far.

Silicon is found in good amounts in many different dietary sources including all types of whole grain breads and cereals, various root vegetables and beer. Some processed foods also contain a form of silicon called silicates in some amounts.

Usual dosage

Silicon does not have a specified RDA. Natural foods contain a lot of silicon, particularly vegetable matter, thus a diet of natural foods is the best source of this mineral. Very few people in the world actually subsist on a diet of natural foods alone. Much of the silicon available in grains and sugar beets is eliminated by the removal of the fibrous portion of grain and in the refining of sugar beets and cane. Silicon is low in muscle and organ meats in general, while connective tissues, the bones and the skin have high amounts of this mineral. Silicon is also found in high amounts in beer. Various supplemental forms of the mineral silicon are available in the market and the mineral is sometimes included as a component in many of the multi-mineral supplements found in the market.

Side effects and cautions

No toxic effects are associated with a high dietary intake of silicon. However, a dangerous respiratory disease called silicosis is caused by long term inhalation of large amounts of silicon dust in an industrial setting.