Team Vitamineule
1. How does silicon get absorbed in the body?
Silicon is an essential trace element that fulfils a number of important functions in the human body. It plays a central role in the formation and maintenance of bones, cartilage and connective tissue. But how exactly is silicon absorbed in the body and why is it so crucial for our health? Silicon occurs in various forms in nature, but the human body is mainly affected by soluble silicon (silica). This is absorbed through food. Silicon-rich foods include whole grain products, certain vegetables such as potatoes and asparagus, but also beer and mineral-rich water. The first step in the absorption of silicon takes place in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, the silicon is released from the food and converted into its soluble form, silica. Absorption, i.e. the absorption of silica into the blood, takes place mainly in the small intestine. This process is relatively efficient, but certain factors can impair absorption. A high fiber content or a high calcium intake can inhibit the absorption of silicon. After being absorbed into the blood, the silicon is transported to various tissues in the body. Particularly high concentrations are found in bones, skin, hair and nails. Here, silicon plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the main components of connective tissue. By supporting collagen formation, silicon contributes significantly to the strength and elasticity of bones and skin. Silicon is also of great importance in the mineralization of bones, i.e. the incorporation of minerals into the bone matrix. Another important aspect of silicon intake is its role in the body's antioxidant protection. Silicon can help neutralize free radicals that cause cell damage and accelerate aging processes. Through its antioxidant properties, silicon thus supports cell health and can help prevent degenerative diseases. There is also evidence that silicon plays a role in cardiovascular health. Some studies suggest that adequate silicon intake can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, i.e. the hardening of the arteries. This could be because silicon supports the elasticity of blood vessels and thus helps maintain healthy blood pressure. A lack of silicon, on the other hand, can lead to various health problems. Since silicon is essential for the structure and strength of connective tissue, a deficiency can lead to weakening of bones and joints. The skin can also lose elasticity due to a lack of silicon, which can lead to premature skin aging and the formation of wrinkles. Hair and nails could become brittle and less resilient. The importance of an adequate silicon intake should therefore not be underestimated. In addition to a balanced diet that contains silicon-rich foods, dietary supplements can also be a useful addition, especially for people with an increased need or inadequate intake through food. In summary, the absorption of silicon in the body is a complex process that contributes significantly to the health of bones, skin, hair and connective tissue. Through its diverse functions, silicon not only supports the structural integrity of the body, but also plays a role in antioxidant protection and cardiovascular health. An adequate silicon intake is therefore essential for a healthy and vital life.
2. Transport and distribution of silicon in the organism
Transport and distribution of silicon in the body Silicon is an essential trace element that performs a variety of functions in the human body. Although it occurs in much smaller quantities than other minerals such as calcium or magnesium, silicon plays a crucial role in the health of bones, skin, hair and connective tissue. But how is silicon transported and distributed in the body? In this article, we take a detailed look at the path of silicon through the human body and its diverse effects.
absorption of silicon
The absorption of silicon begins in the gastrointestinal tract. Silicon is present in food mainly in the form of silicates or silicon dioxide. Plant-based foods such as whole grains, rice, oatmeal, potatoes, and some fruits and vegetables such as bananas and beans are particularly rich in silicon. Mineral-rich water can also make a significant contribution to silicon intake. In the intestine, silicon is absorbed mainly in the form of monosilicic acid (Si(OH)₄). This form of silicon is highly soluble and can easily be absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. The exact mechanism of absorption is not yet fully understood, but it is assumed that silicon reaches the enterocytes via passive diffusion or possibly through specific transport proteins.
transport in the blood
Once in the bloodstream, silicon is transported primarily in its soluble form, monosilicic acid. This form of silicon is stable and can easily circulate through the bloodstream. In the blood, silicon is not bound to proteins, which facilitates its distribution throughout the body. Blood silicon levels usually remain constant because excess silicon is quickly excreted via the kidneys. This shows that the body is able to regulate blood silicon concentrations well, suggesting that silicon plays a significant physiological role.
distribution in the tissue
Silicon is transported to various tissues of the body, with certain organs and structures having particularly high concentrations. These include bones, skin, hair, nails and connective tissue.
Bones and connective tissue:
Silicon contributes to the synthesis of collagen, a protein that ensures the structural integrity of bones and connective tissue. It promotes bone mineralization and stability by supporting the formation and cross-linking of collagen fibers. Studies have shown that silicon deficiency can lead to reduced bone density and an increased susceptibility to osteoporosis.
Skin, hair and nails:
Silicon is also very important for the health of skin, hair and nails. It supports the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which leads to improved skin elasticity and structure. In addition, silicon promotes the growth and strength of hair and nails by stimulating the formation of keratin, a key protein in these tissues.
blood vessels:
Silicon contributes to the flexibility and strength of blood vessels. It prevents the formation of plaque in the arteries, which helps prevent cardiovascular diseases. A sufficient level of silicon in the body can therefore reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases.
excretion and homeostasis
Excretion of excess silicon occurs mainly through the kidneys. Silicon is excreted in the urine in the form of soluble monosilicic acid. The body regulates silicon levels through a balance between absorption, tissue distribution and excretion. There is evidence that the body is able to store silicon reserves in certain tissues to bridge periods of low intake. However, storage capacity is limited, which is why a continuous intake of silicon through the diet is important. Silicon is a vital trace element that plays a key role in the health of bones, skin, hair and connective tissue. It is absorbed mainly in the small intestine in the form of monosilicic acid, and it is transported in the bloodstream and distributed to various tissues. Regulated excretion through the kidneys ensures that silicon levels in the body remain constant. Adequate intake of silicon through the diet can help maintain the structural integrity and function of various tissues and reduce the risk of diseases such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Given the diverse effects of silicon on health, it is important to maintain a balanced diet rich in silicon-containing foods.
3. How much silicon should you consume daily?
Silicon is an essential trace element that is of great importance for health, although it often receives less attention than better-known minerals such as calcium or iron. It plays an essential role in the formation and maintenance of connective tissue, bones, skin, hair and nails. But how much silicon should you consume daily to optimally support these important functions? The recommended daily intake of silicon varies depending on the source, as there are currently no officially established reference values. However, it is generally believed that adults should consume around 20 to 50 milligrams of silicon per day. This amount seems to be easily achievable from typical dietary habits, as silicon is found in many plant-based foods. The main sources of silicon in the diet are whole grains, especially oats and barley, and vegetables such as beans, spinach and potatoes. Beer also contains a significant amount of silicon, but caution should be exercised here due to the amount of alcohol it contains. In addition, fruits such as apples and oranges also contribute to silicon supply. It is important to note that the bioavailability of silicon from different sources can vary. Plant sources generally offer higher bioavailability than animal products. This means that the body can absorb and use the silicon from plants more efficiently. Dietary fiber can also have a positive effect on the absorption of silicon. Silicon deficiency is rare in the Western world, as the usual diet provides sufficient silicon. Nevertheless, it can be useful to ensure adequate intake in certain situations. These include periods of growth, pregnancy, breastfeeding or in the elderly, as the need may be increased during these phases of life. In the case of special needs or suspected deficiencies, targeted nutritional supplementation can be considered, but always in consultation with a doctor or nutritionist. Excess silicon through food is practically impossible, as excess silicon is excreted in the urine. However, caution should be exercised when taking silicon supplements, as extremely high doses could potentially be harmful to health. There is evidence that long-term excessive intake of silicon could increase the risk of kidney stones. In summary, a balanced and varied diet usually provides sufficient silicon to support health. The focus should be on natural sources, as these contain not only silicon, but also a variety of other vital nutrients. If you want to ensure that you consume enough silicon, you should regularly include whole grain products, vegetables and fruit in your diet. In conclusion, silicon is a lesser-known but nevertheless important trace element. A conscious diet can help to optimally supply the body with silicon and thus support the health of bones, skin and connective tissue. If you still have questions about your individual silicon intake, we recommend professional advice from a nutritionist or doctor.
4. Silicon in the form of dietary supplements
Anyone who wants to increase a low silicon level with a dietary supplement should definitely pay attention to the form of the active ingredient and its origin. Silicon capsules are particularly suitable for increasing silicon levels. They are very well tolerated and are utilized by the body to a high degree. The preparation should also not contain any chemical additives such as microcrystalline cellulose. Anyone who buys a preparation from Germany can be sure that the product has also been produced safely and is of high quality.
Our recommendation:
Vitamineule® Silicon Capsules
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5. Conclusion: How does silicon absorption work in the body?
Silicon is absorbed in the body mainly through food and is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Silicon is an essential trace element that is found in various plant-based foods such as grains, vegetables and brewer's yeast. In the body, silicon plays an important role in the health of skin, hair, nails, bones and connective tissue. In the gastrointestinal tract in particular, silicon is absorbed in the form of soluble silica and then distributed in the blood. However, the absorption capacity can vary depending on the form of silicon; organic silicon tends to be better absorbed than mineral forms. In addition, it can be said that taking silicon in the form of dietary supplements can be worthwhile. Targeted supplementation can be particularly useful for people who do not consume enough silicon through their diet or who have specific health goals, such as improving skin elasticity or strengthening bones. Studies suggest that dietary supplements with silicon increase bioavailability and thus the health benefits of this trace element can be optimally utilized.