Silicon

Abstract

• Despite of a large body of evidence implicating si as an essential nutrient in human health there are no reference values for its intake • There are limited good dietary sources of si regarding quantity and bioavailability, however, higher concentrations are typically found in the fibrous component of grains • si concentrates in the body's connective tissues where it acts as a crosslinking agent, influencing structural conformation and enhancing strength • inadequate si produces aberrant bone growth and development and reduced mineral composition • There is an inverse relationship between dietary consumption of si and the rates of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease • Topical and oral si have been studied as therapeutic agents in a range of skin conditions, with preliminary evidence showing some positive results • The bioavailability of this mineral is complex due to si's inherent chemical properties, therefore the supplemental form si is of great importance in terms of therapeutic value.