Silica – An essential Trace Mineral
Silicon is the second most abundant element on earth and is considered an essential trace mineral for human health. It forms structural components of bone and connective tissue, such as collagen. It is especially needed during the early phase of bone mineralization and is found in high concentrations in the bony growth plates. It also forms elastin, a connective tissue that is responsible for the elasticity of connective tissue found in the skin, lungs and blood vessels.

Silicon is thought to protect the body from aluminum accumulation. Silicon levels decline with age and a deficiency of silica may lead to degeneration of the vessels, bones and connective tissue that is commonly seen in the elderly. Silicon is commonly recommended by natural health care practitioners for osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Silicon is the inorganic form of the mineral. Silicon is commonly found bonded to oxygen and is called silica or silicon dioxide. This is the organic and supplemental form. It can be taken as a liquid. Encapsulated silica supplements are usually made from horsetail  herb, which concentrates silica from the soil. Silicon is naturally abundant in the husks of grains and other high fiber foods but is lost from foods during the refining process.