Silicon (as Orthosilicic Acid)

Silicon as Orthosilicic Acid [Si(OH)4] is a monomeric, water-soluble form of silicon with superior bioavailability compared to other silicon sources. It is not a macronutrient and contains no caloric value, fat, protein, or carbohydrates. As a trace mineral supplement, typical supplemental doses range from 5–10 mg of elemental silicon per serving. Orthosilicic Acid (OSA) has a bioavailability of approximately 50–64% when consumed in aqueous solution, far exceeding the ~1–5% bioavailability of silicon from food-based silica (SiO2) or phytolithic sources. Plasma silicon levels following OSA supplementation typically reach 15–50 µg/mL within 1–2 hours post-ingestion. No vitamins, fiber, or protein are present. Key bioactive properties are attributable to silicon's role as a structural and enzymatic cofactor: it interacts with hydroxyl groups of collagen precursors (specifically prolyl hydroxylase activity), glycosaminoglycans, and hydroxyapatite in bone matrix. Silicon content in human connective tissue ranges from 100–200 mg/kg dry weight. Dietary silicon intake from food sources averages 20–50 mg/day predominantly from cereals and drinking water, but food-derived silicon is largely insoluble and poorly absorbed. OSA stabilized with choline (known as ch-OSA) is a commercially studied form with documented bioavailability confirmation in peer-reviewed trials. No significant interactions with fat-soluble or water-soluble vitamins are currently documented at supplemental doses.