Animal Studies
Silicon levels are higher in young animals and decrease with age. Silicon is shown to be a major component in bone tissue development, health, elasticity, and repair. Only recently have food and health regulatory agencies in the U.S., Europe, and New Zealand recognized the importance of Silicon in the modern human and animal diet. Studies have now shown the positive effects of Silicon on bone tissue, collagen production (skin, hair, nail, hoof, horn), wound healing, immune system, reproduction, and digestion.
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Silicon and Equine Bone Health
B.D. Nielsen, Ph.D., K.E. Krick, M.S. Michigan State University, Dept. of Animal Science
Synopsis: Horses supplemented with silicon experienced fewer injuries and were able to train and race nearly twice the distance than those without silicon supplementation. Silicon is involved in the mineralization process of bone, playing a major role in the formation of the collagen matrix of bone and cartilage.
Synopsis: Horses supplemented with silicon experienced fewer injuries and were able to train and race nearly twice the distance than those without silicon supplementation. Silicon is involved in the mineralization process of bone, playing a major role in the formation of the collagen matrix of bone and cartilage.
Silicon Effects on Immune Function and Wound Healing
Forrest H. Nielsen and Rhonda Poellot, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Synopsis: Silicon has a biochemical function that can effect circulating and bone concentrations of matrix proteins and enzymes associated with bone formation. The effects of silicon enhance bone elasticity. Findings show that silicon influences the presence of cytokines in tissues and fluids other than bone, which would be the basis for silicon being beneficial to immune function and wound healing.
Synopsis: Silicon has a biochemical function that can effect circulating and bone concentrations of matrix proteins and enzymes associated with bone formation. The effects of silicon enhance bone elasticity. Findings show that silicon influences the presence of cytokines in tissues and fluids other than bone, which would be the basis for silicon being beneficial to immune function and wound healing.
Dietary Silicon Intake is Positively Associated With Bone Mineral Density
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, Ravin Jugdaosingh, et al
Synopsis: The findings suggest that higher dietary silicon intake in men and younger women may have positive effects on skeletal health, especially cortical bone health that had not been previously recognized.
Synopsis: The findings suggest that higher dietary silicon intake in men and younger women may have positive effects on skeletal health, especially cortical bone health that had not been previously recognized.
