Silicon is one of the most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust, and despite its abundance in nature, the role of this mineral in the human body is still not fully understood. However, scientific research shows that silicon plays an important role in maintaining the health of bone tissue, skin, and hair.
Silicon is involved in the formation of collagen and connective tissues.
Its presence is necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system and restorative processes in the body.
Although silicon is not considered one of the essential trace elements, its effects on the human body continue to be studied.
Beneficial Properties
Strengthening hair and nails. It helps improve the structure and quality of hair and nails, making it a popular component in beauty supplements.
Anti-carbonate action. Studies show that silicon can bind to heavy metals and toxins, helping the body eliminate them.
Blood sugar levels. Research indicates that silicon may help improve glucose metabolism, which is especially important for people with diabetes.
Improvement of skin condition. It aids in collagen synthesis, making the skin firmer and more elastic.
Beneficial for joints. Studies show that silicon may contribute to improved joint health, preventing degenerative diseases.
Combatting osteoporosis. Some studies suggest that silicon may help strengthen bone tissue and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Sources of Silicon
Silicon is an important element for the human body, especially for bone and connective tissue health. It is found in various foods and water.
Food sources:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Vegetables, particularly green beans and spinach
Additionally, silicon is present in natural drinking water, especially from artesian sources.
Possible forms and their learnability
Nutrient forms are listed from best to worst:
Daily Requirement for Silicon
The daily requirement for silicon depends on age, sex, and health status, but is generally estimated to be in the range of 20 to 50 mg.
Factors affecting silicon requirements include the level of physical activity, the presence of certain diseases, and dietary balance. Pregnancy and lactation can also increase the need for this trace element.
Silicon Deficiency: Symptoms and Health Consequences
Silicon deficiency in the human body can lead to various health issues. Although precise symptoms are not always easy to identify, some studies link low silicon levels with deterioration of bone and connective tissue health.
Potential consequences include decreased bone density, increased risk of fractures, as well as issues with skin, hair, and nails.
Silicon Excess: Possible Risks and Preventive Measures
Excess silicon in the human body is a rare occurrence, as it does not accumulate in tissues and is easily excreted in urine. However, prolonged inhalation of dust containing silicon can lead to a serious disease—silicosis.
To prevent silicon excess, personal protective equipment should be used when working with silicon-containing materials, and the quality of drinking water should be monitored to avoid excessive silicon intake.
Thus, silicon is safe for humans in normal amounts, and its toxicity only manifests at very high doses, which cannot be achieved through normal diet.
Interesting Facts About Silicon
The second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. It makes up about 28% of the total mass of the Earth’s crust, making it an important component of many minerals, such as quartz and feldspar.
Production of semiconductors. Silicon became the primary material for creating microchips and various electronic devices since the early 20th century, sparking the information revolution.
Discovered in 1824. Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius first isolated silicon from silica, which was an important milestone in chemical science.
Silicon is most commonly found in nature in the form of silicon dioxide. This mineral, known as quartz, is one of the most common in nature and is found in sand, mountains, and many other locations.
A key element in the production of solar panels. Most solar cells are based on silicon, which converts solar energy into electricity, promoting the development of renewable energy sources.
In construction. Silica, found in sand and concrete, is a primary material for building structures and infrastructure.
Glass production. Glass is mainly composed of silica, making silicon a key element for creating transparent materials.
Photosynthesis processes. Some plants use silicon to enhance their resistance to stress and diseases, making it an important element in agronomy.