Overview

Silicon is a naturally occurring mineral. It's the second-most abundant element on earth after oxygen. Food sources include water, fruits, and vegetables.

Silicon supplements are sometimes used as medicine. It's not clear if silicon has a function in the human body. But there's some evidence it might have a role in forming bone and collagen.

People use silicon for weak bones (osteoporosis), aging skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Do not confuse silicon with silicone. Silicone is a group of materials resembling plastic that are used to make medical devices.



Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Males and younger (pre-menopausal) females who get more silicon from their diet seem to have stronger bones. But it's not clear if taking silicon supplements reduces the risk for osteoporosis.

There is interest in using silicon for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Silicon is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if silicon is safe when used as a medicine.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Silicon is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if silicon is safe when used as a medicine.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Silicon is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Surgical removal of the stomach (gastrectomy): Silicon levels in the blood might be lower in people who have had their stomachs surgically removed.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Silicon overview.

Dosing

Silicon is found in foods such as coffee, beer, unfiltered drinking water, grains, bananas, raisins, beans, lentils, and others.

In supplements, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of silicon might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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