| Proper name |
Silicon |
| Category |
Trace
Mineral |
| Functions |
Silicon is a component of mucopolysaccharides and collagen in connective
tissue, ligaments, tendons, cells walls and membranes, bones, nails, and
teeth. There is some evidence that adequate silicon may reduce the risk
of atherosclerosis. |
| RDA |
5 to 10 mg per day |
| Therapeutic
dose |
Not generally given for therapeutic purposes. |
| Deficiency symptoms |
Deficiency is not known to occur however, experimental animals fed silicon
deficient diets displayed incomplete and deformed skeletal development and
generalized growth retardation. There is some evidence that silicon deficiency
may be associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and osteoarthritis.
|
| Toxicity |
The only known toxicity associated with silicon is associated with inhaling
silicon dust. This condition, silicosis, is not related to dietary intake. |
| Best
forms
|
Selenomethionine
|
| Food
sources |
Silicon is widely distributed in foods. |
| Lab
tests |
Hair
mineral analysis. |
| Drug
interactions |
None known |
| Nutrient interactions |
Silicon may inhibit the absorption of the toxic metal aluminum. |
| Metabolism |
Silicon is the most
abundant mineral on Earth (think sand). It is found in the human body
primarily in the skin and cartilage.
|
|
