Silica-OK

[Questions & Answers]

What exactly is silica and what is it supposed to do?

Silica is an essential mineral for health. The highest concentration of silica (silicon dioxide) is found in connective tissues, cartilage and skin, with skin and the epicuticle of the hair containing the most.

This mineral strengthens collagen and elastin fibres and contributes to tissue elasticity. As the silica level of the skin diminishes with advancing age, the tissues become increasingly inelastic and brittle.

Has silica got any other beneficial effects, other than its role as a 'beauty mineral'?

Silica is found in high concentration in the calcification sites of growing bone and healing bone fractures.

The silicon content of arteries is significantly decreased in areas with atherosclerotic plaques. Interestingly, heart disease death rates are lowest in regions of England and Finland where the silicon level of drinking water is highest.

Will it help my skin, hair and nails?

Silica-OK is the 'beauty member' of our range. It provides organic silica to strengthen connective tissues, obtained from the horsetail plant, together with zinc, selenium, antioxidant vitamins and B-vitamins.

Whilst silica plays the key role in this product other co-factor nutrients have been included for their following properties. Beta-carotene, can be converted to vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin, scalp and mucous membranes. It also has been shown to help protect the skin against sun damage. Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen, the 'glue-like' substance that gives connective tissue strength and resilience. Selenium and vitamin E exert cell protective properties which also includes protection against UV radiation. Zinc and B-vitamins play a vital part in the formation of new body tissues and in the case of low biotin status dry scaly skin and seborrhoea may occur.

A regular intake of silica with the co-factors found in this product will safe-guard against a short-fall of these important nutrients.

How long will I have to take the product before a difference will be noted?

As with most food supplements, it usually takes between 4-8 weeks to notice the benefit of a food supplement.

Can I take this product if I am planning pregnancy, if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?

Whilst all ingredients found in Silica-OK are deemed safe for food supplements, which are classed as a food, we always recommend that those planning pregnancy, who are pregnant or breast-feeding consult their doctor prior to taking any food supplements.

Can I take Silica-OK with a vitamin and mineral supplement?

If you are taking other food supplements please ensure that the daily maximum safety limit for the active ingredients of the products is not exceeded, which would be highly unlikely with this product.

Click here to view advice on upper safe levels for supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

Can I take Silica-OK with evening primrose oil or fish oil?

It would be perfectly acceptable to combine Silica-OK with evening primrose oil or fish oil or both. Components of these oils, referred to as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are very important for keeping skin healthy and helping moisture to be retained by the skin.

Is it suitable to take this product on a long-term basis?

Silica-OK has been formulated to be suitable for long-term use.

When is the best time to take Silica-OK?

It is best to take this mineral with a meal. The evening would be a good time to take this mineral, as the body does much of the building and repair work at night when we are asleep.

Are there any side-effects with Silica-OK?

This product is usually very well tolerated. As with any food, there is always a possibility that individuals may have a sensitivity to one or more ingredients contained in the product. We always recommend that in the event of any unusual symptoms being noted upon taking our products they should be discontinued and, if necessary, a doctor consulted to rule out any other cause for the symptoms.

I am allergic to gluten, can I take Silica-OK?

Silica-OK is completely gluten-free and suitable for coelicas.

I am allergic to dairy products, can I still take Silica-OK?

Silica-OK is completely free from ingredients sourced from dairy milk products.

Which are good food sources of silica?

Silicon intakes are twice as high in those following a high fibre diet, compared with a low fibre diet.

Good food sources for this mineral include the following: unrefined whole grains (wheat, barley, oats, rye) oatmeal and rice bran, alfalfa sprouts, nuts, seeds and hard water.