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Silicon

Bone matrix collagen support

supplement
Human trial evidenceTraditional useNeeds more research

A trace mineral that supports collagen cross-linking and bone matrix mineralization. Found in whole grains, root vegetables, and certain mineral waters.

Silicon contributes to the organic bone matrix by supporting collagen architecture, which complements the mineral density benefits of calcium and Vitamin D.

Quick answer

What it is: Silicon contributes to the organic bone matrix by supporting collagen architecture, which complements the mineral density benefits of calcium and Vitamin D.

May support:Osteoporosis

Evidence Summary

The current understanding of silicon's role in human health, particularly concerning osteoporosis, is largely based on observational studies, in vitro research, and animal models. There is a lack of high-quality human clinical trials, such as randomized controlled trials, specifically investigating silicon supplementation for osteoporosis. Therefore, the evidence supporting its efficacy for this condition is considered limited.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Why It Works

Emerging research suggests silicon plays an underappreciated role in bone quality. Animal and in vitro studies indicate it stimulates bone formation cells and improves collagen organization.

How it works in more detail

The precise mechanisms by which silicon influences bone health are not fully elucidated. It is hypothesized that silicon acts as a cross-linking agent in collagen and elastin, contributing to the structural integrity of connective tissues. It may also be involved in the initial stages of bone mineralization by influencing osteoblast activity and the deposition of calcium and phosphate. Some theories suggest silicon could interact with glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, which are crucial for the extracellular matrix. However, these proposed mechanisms require further scientific validation.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
Common supplemental forms include orthosilicic acid and horsetail extract. Typical doses provide 5–10 mg elemental silicon daily.
Typical forms
capsule, liquid
Quality markers
Look for silicon supplements that specify the form of silicon, such as orthosilicic acid (OSA) or choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA), as these forms are believed to have better bioavailability. Reputable brands often provide third-party testing for purity and potency.
Avoid if
  • Severe kidney disease

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Suggested dosage

Common supplemental forms include orthosilicic acid and horsetail extract. Typical doses provide 5–10 mg elemental silicon daily.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Active medicinal compounds

Orthosilicic acid (OSA) is considered the most bioavailable form of silicon for humans. Other forms include colloidal silica and various silicates.

Traditional use

While not a primary focus in many traditional medicine systems as a standalone remedy, silicon-rich plants (e.g., horsetail) have been used in various folk traditions for their purported benefits to hair, skin, nails, and bone health.

Safety

Safety warnings

Safety data is limited at high doses. Horsetail supplements should be standardized and verified to be free of thiaminase. Avoid in pregnancy due to insufficient safety data.

Avoid if

  • Severe kidney disease

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade

The current understanding of silicon's role in human health, particularly concerning osteoporosis, is largely based on observational studies, in vitro research, and animal models. There is a lack of high-quality human clinical trials, such as randomized controlled trials, specifically investigating silicon supplementation for osteoporosis. Therefore, the evidence supporting its efficacy for this condition is considered limited.

Filter by source type

Observational Studies(1)

Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.

Moderate Quality

  • Silicon and bone health.

    Jugdaohsingh R · The journal of nutrition, health & aging · 2007

    Low bone mass (osteoporosis) is a silent epidemic of the 21st century, which presently in the UK results in over 200,000 fractures annually at a cost of over one billion pounds. Figures are set to increase worldwide. Understanding the factors which affect bone metabolism is thus of primary importance in order to establish preventative measures or treatments for this condition. Nutrition is an important determinant of bone health, but the effects of the individual nutrients and minerals, other than calcium, is little understood. Accumulating evidence over the last 30 years strongly suggest that dietary silicon is beneficial to bone and connective tissue health and we recently reported strong positive associations between dietary Si intake and bone mineral density in US and UK cohorts. The exact biological role(s) of silicon in bone health is still not clear, although a number of possible mechanisms have been suggested, including the synthesis of collagen and/or its stabilization, and ma

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality

Clinical Trial Registries(1)

Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Moderate Quality

  • To Evaluate the Influence of (LUA Probiotics) on Uric Acid

    n=20 · NCT06969469 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

    This study aims to investigate the efficacy of the lactic acid bacteria "LUA probiotics" in reducing serum uric acid levels. The use of health supplements prior to the onset of gout symptoms is proposed as a preventive strategy to mitigate the development of gout and to reduce the subsequent reliance on long-term pharmacological treatments. Hyperuricemia is the presence of abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood serum. Long-term hyperuricemia is a major factor in causing gout. In addition, hyperuricemia is associated with many diseases. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia has gradually attracted attention. In recent years, studies have pointed out that whether from cell experiments or animal experiments, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have the effect of lowering uric acid. However, there is a lack of rigorous clinical observational studies to further explore whether lactic acid bacteria really have the effect of lowering uric acid. This product "LUA Probiotics" is a probiotic developed and produced by the Longtan Branch of Grape King Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Its main ingredients include Lactobacillus reuteri (Lactobacillus reuteri), β-carotene, silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate. This product is not yet commercially available.

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality

Limitations: A significant limitation is the absence of human clinical trials directly assessing the efficacy of silicon supplementation for osteoporosis. Existing data are primarily from observational studies, which can only suggest associations, not causation. Furthermore, research often uses different forms and dosages of silicon, making comparisons difficult. The bioavailability of various silicon compounds also needs more consistent evaluation.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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