Overview
Trace element involved in collagen and connective tissue crosslinking.
- Whole grains
- Beer
- Bananas
- Cucumber
- Orthosilicic acid
- Bamboo extract
- Horsetail
Forms & variants of Silica (Silicon)
Different chemical forms of Silica (Silicon) behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.
Mechanism of action
Influences prolyl hydroxylase and connective tissue matrix formation.
- · Collagen crosslinking
- · Glycosaminoglycan synthesis
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Modest improvement in fine wrinkles in RCTs.
Evidence-based benefits
Improves hair tensile strength and skin parameters
Limited evidencePotential side effects
- · Silica (Silicon) is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
- · Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
- · Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users
- · Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction (rash, itching, swelling)
- · Sleep disturbance if taken late in the day
- · Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing
Drug interactions
Supplement interactions
- Collagen peptidesProvides amino acid substrate for connective tissue synthesis.
- Vitamin CRequired cofactor for collagen hydroxylation.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
Where to buy
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Third-party testedIndependently verified Silica (Silicon) — look for USP, NSF, or Informed Sport seals on the label for purity and dose accuracy.Silica (Silicon) third party tested NSF
CapsulesPre-measured Silica (Silicon) capsules — easiest for travel and consistent daily dosing without scoops or scales.Silica (Silicon) capsules
PowderBulk unflavored Silica (Silicon) powder — best cost-per-gram and flexible dosing for stacking or mixing into drinks.Silica (Silicon) powder unflavored
Best sellersMost-purchased Silica (Silicon) products on Amazon — a quick way to see what's reviewed widely before you commit.Silica (Silicon) best sellerScientific evidence8Show studiesHide studies
Silica (Silicon): pharmacology, clinical evidence, and safety — narrative review
Examine.com Research Team
Curated narrative review of human and preclinical evidence for Silica (Silicon), including mechanism, typical dosing, and safety considerations.
Best-supported outcome: Improves hair tensile strength and skin parameters (evidence: limited). Additional outcomes and limitations summarized in the full profile.
PubMed: Silica (Silicon) — Improves hair tensile strength and skin parameters
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PubMed: Silica (Silicon) — randomized controlled trial
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PubMed: Silica (Silicon) — meta-analysis
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PubMed: Silica (Silicon) — pharmacokinetics
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PubMed: Silica (Silicon) — safety adverse events
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PubMed: Silica (Silicon) — dose response
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Google Scholar: Silica (Silicon) — clinical evidence
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Cross-database citation index for Silica (Silicon) as it relates to "clinical evidence".
Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.