Introduction of
SILICA
What is
SILICA  ?
Silica is a natural occurring mineral that has many health
benefits. In fact, silica is the third most abundant element
in the body, after iron and zinc(1).
With Sufficient SILICA...
1
Silica stimulates collagen production
2
Silica stabilises collagen by crosslinking collagen fibres
Smooth Glowing Skin
Lack of SILICA...
1
Insufficient collagen production.
2
Bad crosslinking leads to degradation of collagen.
Dull Uneven Skin
How
Silica stimulates fibroblasts which release collagen type 1 that minimises fine lines in youthful skin(2).
Silica acts as a bridge to connect the collagen fibres to further stabilize its structure, giving our skin better strength and flexibility, therefore improving the skin elasticity(3).
How much
do we need
While the recommended daily intake for silica has not yet been established, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggests no more than 700 milligrams a day – far above the 20 to 50 milligrams that the average person consumes in a day(4).
Where to get
SILICA
Generally, silicon is abundantly present in foods derived from plants such as: cereals, oats, barley, white wheat flour, and polished rice. In contrast, silicon levels are lower in animal foods including meat or dairy products. Furthermore, silicon is present in drinking waters, mineral waters, and in beer as well(5).
References:
1) Macdonald HM, Hardcastle AC, Jugdaohsingh R, Fraser WD, Reid DM, Powell JJ. Dietary silicon interacts with oestrogen to influence bone health: evidence from the Aberdeen Prospective Osteoporosis Screening Study. Bone. 2012 Mar;50(3):681-7.

2) Reffitt DM, Ogston N, Jugdaohsingh R, Cheung HF, Evans BA, Thompson RP, Powell JJ, Hampson GN. Orthosilicic acid stimulates collagen type 1 synthesis and osteoblastic differentiation in human osteoblast-like cells in vitro. Bone. 2003 Feb;32(2):127-35.

3) Barel A, Calomme M, Timchenko A, De Paepe K, Demeester N, Rogiers V, Clarys P, Vanden Berghe D. Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on skin, nails and hair in women with photodamaged skin. Arch Dermatol Res. 2005 Oct;297(4):147-53.

4) EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies on a request from the Commission related to the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of silicon. EFSA J. 2004, 60, 1–11.

5) Bowen, H. J. M., & Peggs, A. (1984). Determination of the silicon content of food. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 35(11), 1225-1229.