Silicon is a trace mineral found naturally in various plant-based foods and drinking water, and it plays a structural role in connective tissues throughout the body. Research suggests that silicon, particularly in the bioavailable form of orthosilicic acid, may support collagen synthesis and contribute to the health of bones, skin, hair, and nails. Studies indicate that dietary silicon intake is positively associated with bone mineral density, especially in premenopausal women, and preliminary research points to potential benefits for skin elasticity and hair strength. Common supplemental sources include stabilized orthosilicic acid, colloidal silica, and plant-derived extracts from bamboo and horsetail, though the degree of bioavailability can vary significantly between these forms, and more research is needed to fully understand optimal intake levels.
Compare this supplementResearch suggests that bioavailable forms of silicon — particularly orthosilicic acid — may play a role in collagen s...
View studies →The studies linked here do not directly investigate silicon or silica supplementation for bone health in humans. The ...
View studies →The studies provided do not contain research on silicon or silica and skin health — they cover unrelated topics inclu...
View studies →The two studies provided do not contain research on silicon or silica in relation to collagen synthesis or connective...
View studies →The available linked study does not contain research relevant to silicon or silica and nail health — it instead exami...
View studies →These are commonly referenced dosage ranges for this supplement. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
| Form | Dose range | Frequency | Studied for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 20–30 mg | Daily | Skin, hair, and nail health | Based on RCTs using choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid capsule formulations |
| Liquid | 10 mg | Daily | Bone health and collagen synthesis | Used in RCTs with choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) |
| Liquid | 6–10 mg | Daily | Hair and nail health, skin elasticity | Common in clinical trials using bioavailable orthosilicic acid forms |
| Powder | 500–1,000 mg | Daily | General connective tissue and bone support | Typical range for horsetail extract or silica-rich herbal powder supplements in observational and clinical use |
| Tablet | 15–20 mg | Daily | Bone mineral density support | Used in studies evaluating silicon intake and bone health outcomes |