Silicon

1. Class of Mineral:
   • Type of mineral (e.g. metallic etc) – Silicon is a metalloid.
   • Alkalizing or acidifying? – Silicon is acidifying.

2. How the Body Utilizes the Mineral:
   • Silicon is not considered an essential nutrient for humans, and its biological function in the body is not well understood.
   • Silicon supplements are used for weak bones (osteoporosis), heart disease and stroke (cardiovascular disease), Alzheimer’s disease, hair loss, and improving hair and nail quality. It is also used for improving skin healing; and for treating sprains and strains, as well as digestive system disorders.

3. Mineral Supplement Dosage:
   • RDA – There is no established RDA for silicon, as it is not considered an essential nutrient. Typical dosages are: Adult: 5-20 mg/day, maximum 50 mg/day
   • Typical Dietary Intake – The average daily intake of silicon from food sources is estimated to be around 20-50 mg.
   • Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) – The UL for silicon has not been established but up to 700 mg has been taken without apparent harm

4. Symptoms of a shortage of the mineral:
   • A deficiency of silicon is not a concern for humans, as it is not considered an essential nutrient.

5. Symptoms of too much of the mineral:
   • High levels of silicon can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Long-term exposure to high levels of silicon may also lead to kidney damage.

6. Mineral supplement Forms
   • Not applicable, as silicon is not considered an essential nutrient and supplements are not recommended.

7. Various food sources for the mineral:

Silicon can be found in small amounts in some foods, including:

1. • Whole grains (Oats Rice and Barley
   • Nuts and seeds
   • Beans and legumes
   • Leafy green vegetables

8. How to take the mineral with reference to:
   • Meal Timing: As silicon is not considered an essential nutrient and supplements are not recommended, there is no specific advice on meal timing.
   • Time of Day: As silicon is not considered an essential nutrient and supplements are not recommended, there is no specific advice on time of day.
   • Other: Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on how to take silicon supplements, although they are not typically recommended.

9. Interactions:
   • Positive Interactions
     • Vitamins and minerals – Not applicable, as silicon is not considered an essential nutrient and supplements are not recommended.
     • Medication – Not applicable, as silicon is not considered an essential nutrient and supplements are not recommended.
     • Other – Not applicable, as silicon is not considered an essential nutrient and supplements are not recommended.

• • Negative Interactions
    • Vitamins and minerals – Not applicable, as silicon is not considered an essential nutrient and supplements are not recommended.
    • Medication – Not applicable, as silicon is not considered an essential nutrient and supplements are not recommended.
    • Other – Not applicable, as silicon is not considered an essential nutrient and supplements are not recommended.

10. Contraindications and Risks:
    • Not applicable, as silicon is not considered an essential nutrient and supplements are not recommended. High levels of silicon can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and kidney damage.
    • Note: This document is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen