Silica-OK

[Nutrition Adviser Product Information]

Hair, Skin and Nails

Silica-OK has been formulated to provide 8 mg of organic silica per tablet. The silica is obtained from the Horsetail plant (Equisetum arvense). This product also provides zinc, selenium, antioxidant vitamins as well as B-vitamins.

Skin and hair act as a protective cover for the body. A study involving the intake of colloidal silicic acid, as well as its topical application, over a period of 3 months, showed that the participants' condition of skin, hair and nails had benefited. A statistically significant improvement in the thickness and turgor of the skin and wrinkles, as well as condition of hair and nails, could be recorded. (1) This would indicate that silicon can play a part in improving the structure of connective tissues.

Keratin, a protein substance, forms part of the skin as well as the major component of hair and nails. Efficient protein metabolism requires an adequate intake of co-factor nutrients, such as zinc and vitamin B6. Strong healthy hair not only depends on the actual strength of the hair shaft, but also on the overall health of the scalp, and specifically the hair follicles, which produce the hair shaft. The mineral silica provides structural support to the connective tissues, whilst the combination of zinc and B-vitamins, provides co-factors for healthy cellular function.

Silica obtained from Equisetum arvense extract

Silica is known as silicon dioxide, but does not form simple molecules consisting of one silicon atom and two oxygen atoms. It actually forms large macromolecules in which each silicon atom is bound to four oxygen atoms, and each oxygen atom is bound to two silicon atoms. In nature, silicon occurs as silicates, amorphous silica (such as opal) and crystalline silica (such as quartz). Biological systems contain silicon in the form of soluble silica or silicates. (2)

Silicon is the most abundant element on earth apart from oxygen and it is hard to imagine that a deficiency of this element may occur. It can be obtained from unrefined grains, such as oatmeal, brown rice as well as alfalfa, cabbages, lettuce, onions, Horsetail plants (Equisetaceae) and kelp to mention a few. The increased consumption of refined and processed foods could help to explain why silicon may not be obtained by everyone in optimal amounts from the diet.

Silica is the organically bound, soluble form of silicon and animal tissues that have been found to contain larger amounts of this mineral including arteries, tendons, skin, connective tissue, cornea and sclera (the white of the eye). (2,3,4) Silicon can form long complex molecules in the same manner as carbon, however, bonds with silicon atoms are stronger than bonds involving carbon atoms. (3)

Both vitamin C and silicon containing substances are required for collagen formation. However, whilst vitamin C simply acts as a catalyst in collagen production, silicon actually forms part of the structure. Collagen is the 'glue' that holds all body tissues together. (3) This may be one reason why a regular intake of silica may have a strengthening effect on hair, skin and nails.

Silica-OK contains an extract of the herb Equisetum arvense (Common name: Horsetail), which naturally provides high levels of silica. This herb is listed in the British Pharmacopoeia, where it is stated that Horstail has traditionally been used for the treatment of genito-urinary tract and lung conditions.

Betatene (a mixed carotenoid preparation)

Beta-carotene can be converted into vitamin A when required by the body. This vitamin has been shown to play an important part in keeping the skin, scalp and mucous membranes healthy and resistant. Silica-OK provides a mixed carotenoid preparation that contains the carotenoids beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin and lutein. Beta-carotene has been shown to have a beneficial effect in protecting the skin from the consequences of excessive sun exposure, whilst lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to have this effect on the eyes. (5,6)

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has many functions in the body. Research indicates that it is required for proper immune function, has an antioxidant role in the aqueous solutions of the body and is also required for the production of energy on a cellular level. Apart from these actions it also plays a part as a co-factor in collagen production, as described earlier. (7,8)

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an oil soluble vitamin, which is incorporated into the cell's membranes for its protective antioxidant effect. This vitamin is also important to immune function, where it protects the thymus gland and circulating white blood cells from damage. (9)

Selenium

Selenium is an important constituent of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase. (10) These enzymes help protect the cells from damage, due to toxic by-products released as a result of the body's internal processes, as well as external pollutants. It is the increased loss or damage of cells that causes ageing associated changes to occur in various tissues. This may also affect the hair follicles. (11) In addition, a study carried out in France indicates that by taking the trace element selenium together with vitamins A, C and E in a food supplement the damaging effects of UV radiation could be reduced. (12)

Vitamins B1 and B2

Vitamins B1 and B2 work in synergy with other B-vitamins in the production of energy on a cellular level enabling more optimal cellular function. Ensuring a sufficient intake of these vitamins is likely to benefit the cells responsible for the growth of hair and nails and the regeneration of the scalp, as well as overall skin health. (13, 14)

Vitamin B6 and Zinc

Vitamin B6 and zinc play a vital part in the metabolism of protein into amino acids and the subsequent synthesis of new body tissues. Skin, hair and nails all contain keratin, a protein substance. When the metabolism of protein is poor then this is likely to be reflected in the health of all body tissues including hair, skin and nails. (14,15)

Biotin

Biotin is a vitamin that can be manufactured by gut bacteria. However, if there is an imbalance of the gut bacteria, which appears to be an increasing problem as a result of excessive sugar consumption and other unhelpful dietary habits, biotin deficiency may result. In adults this is characterised by dry, scaly skin and seborrhoea. In addition this vitamin is required in the manufacture and utilisation of fats and amino acids, which are important for optimal skin and scalp health. (16)

References:

1. Lassus, Colloidal Silicic Acid for Oral and Topical Treatment of Aged Skin, Fragile Hair and Brittle Nails in Females, The Journal of International Medical Research, 1993, Vol. 21, 209-215

2. Ralph J. Fessenden and Joan S. Fessenden, The biological properties of silicon compounds, Adv. Drug Res., Vol. 4, 1987, pp 95-132

3. R. A. Passwater, Trace elements, hair analysis and nutrition, Keats Publishing, Inc., 1983, p. 215-221

4. M. T. Murray, Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Prima Publishing, 1996, pp 229-231

5. Hans Konrad Biesalski et al., Effects of Controlled Exposure of Sunlight on Plasma and Skin levels of beta carotene, Free Rad. Res., 1996, Vol. 24, No. 3, pp 215-224

6. Seddon, J.M. et al., Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E and advanced age-related macular degeneration, Journal of the American Medical Association, 1994, 272, 1413-1420

7. Klaus Kaufmann, -Silica - The Forgotten Nutrient, Alive Books 1990

8. Dr Stephen Davies & Dr Alan Steward, Nutritional Medicine, Pan Books Ltd., 1987

9. M. T. Murray, Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Prima Publishing, 1996, pp 44-53

10. M. P. Rayman, The importance of selenium to human health, The Lancet, 2000,Vol. 356, No. 9225, pp 223-241

11. Dr. Robert Erdmann & Meirion Jones, Minerals the Metabolic Miracle Workers, Century Hutchinson Ltd., 1988

12. J. P. Cesarini et al., The intake of antioxidant nutrient does protect skin against actinic damages, Nouv. Dermatol., 1998, Vol. 17, (5), pp 305-308

13. Robert H. Garrison & Elizabeth Somer, The Nutrition Desk Reference, Keats Publishing, Inc. 1990

14. Maria C. Linder (Ed.), Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism with Clinical Application- Second Edition, Prentice Hall International Inc., 1991

15. Patrick Holford, Optimum Nutrition Magazine, 1994, Vol. 7, No 3

16. M. T. Murray, Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Prima Publishing, 1996, pp 111-114