nutrition and health
Next to oxygen, silicon is the most abundant element in the earth's crust. The element silicon does not exist in nature in its pure state, but combines with 2 molecules of water to form silica. The erosion of rocks spreads silica and silica-mineral complexes into the soil, streams and ground water. When silica combines with 2 molecules of water, it becomes silicic acid, a weak acid which exists in its free state below pH 9.0. Silicic acid and mineral silicates are the active forms of silica and silicon in both plants and animals.
In plants, silicic acid is absorbed from the moist soil and after further processing, performs important functions in the plants, including protection against bacteria, insects and snails. Silicic acid protects the plant from toxicity of excess metals in the soil, such as iron and manganese.
The protein collagen represents at least one third of the total protein content of the human body. Silicic acid and silicates increase the production of collagen by several mechanisms, one of which is the stimulation of an enzyme involved in the conversion of procollagen to collagen.
Bioactive silicates are believed to be essential for normal growth, bone formation, brain metabolism, and production of connective tissue. The highest silicon concentrations occur in connective tissues, such as the aorta, the trachea, the tendons and also the skin.
