Silicium-MP 100 capsules - biologically active silicon | Vitals

VITALS Silicium-MP 100 capsules is a silicon supplement in the form of stabilized silicic acid. Silicon is an essential partner of calcium for bones, glucosamine for joints, and antioxidants for healthier arteries and cardiovascular function.

key benefits
• plays an essential rol in the formation of collagen, bones and cartilage in joints
• this form of silicon is most effective in strengthening your hair and nails
• silicon plays an essential role in the elasticity of your arteries and skin

Food supplements with silicon are popular. Scientists are also increasingly interested in this fascinating trace element with its various applications. When supplementing with silicon in solid form (capsules or tablets), the absorption often left much to be desired. Unfortunately, for this reason, people have until now had to rely on liquid (and not always pleasant-tasting) silicon preparations for easily absorbable silicon. This has now changed due to the good research work of producer Eytelia. Silicon-MP from Vitals contains their MESOPOROSIL®, a new unique form of silicon that is easily absorbed in solid form. Due to optimal absorption, a low daily dose of 6-12 mg silicon (one to two capsules) is sufficient. Very practical. Other advantages of capsules (and tablets) over liquid silicon supplements are that the product can be stored for longer and no preservatives are required. Read more about all the benefits of Silicon-MP below!

Silicon: important and versatile trace element
Silicon is the second most abundant element in the earth's crust. The name 'silicon' is derived from the Latin 'silex', meaning flint or pebble. Because silicon has a great affinity for oxygen, it does not occur in nature in its pure form, but only bound to oxygen atoms, such as silicon dioxide (also called silica).

Silicon dioxide from rock can dissolve in water to form orthosilicic acid (OSA). See figure 1. OSA is also called orthosilicic acid. Plants absorb OSA from groundwater and store it in so-called phytoliths. These are deposits of silicon dioxide that are distributed throughout the plant and, among other things, provide strength. Silicon is also present in the human body and is even one of the most common trace elements, after iron and zinc. Not everything is yet known about the importance of silicon for humans. However, more and more scientific publications are appearing about silicon and we are gaining more and more knowledge about it.

Figure 1. Structural formula of silcion dioxide (SiO₂) and orthosilicic acid (SiOH₄). Silicon dioxide dissolves in water (H₂O) and forms orthosilicic acid.

Nutritional sources of silicon: mainly vegetable
Silicon is mainly found in plant foods, such as whole grains, legumes and dates. Other rich silicon sources are horsetail, nettle and bamboo. These are not usually consumed as such, but are often used as a basis for nutritional supplements. (Alcohol-free) beer and water are also sources of silicon, the content of which can vary greatly.

Vegetable silicon is often not easily absorbed
Orthosilicic acid (OSA) is known as the naturally occurring, dissolved form of silicon that both plants and humans can handle best. However, silicon in plant sources (captured in phytoliths) is no longer in the form of easily absorbable OSA, but consists, among other things, of poorly soluble (and therefore poorly absorbed) silicon dioxide. The absorption of silicon from plant sources such as whole grains and bananas, but also nutritional supplements with nettle and bamboo, can be low for this reason.

The best food sources of easily absorbable silicon are mainly liquids with dissolved silicon in them. the form of OSA, such as (non-alcoholic) beer and water. In nutritional supplements, the absorption depends on the form of silicon and the way in which it has been processed.

Mesoporosil: new, easily absorbable silicon in capsule form
There are only some well-absorbed silicon preparations. Monomethylsilanetriol (MMST) is an example of this. MMST is also called 'organic' silicon because the silicon is bonded to a carbon atom. Compounds that contain a carbon atom are referred to in chemistry as organic compounds. Contrary to what the name suggests, the designation 'organic' has nothing to do with organic or plant-based or how natural this silicon compound is. Silicon bonded to carbon does not occur in nature. MMST is a synthetically produced silicon compound that is only easily absorbed in liquid form.

Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) is another commonly used form of silicon, especially in liquid nutritional supplements. Liquid nutritional supplements containing silicon in the form of OSA present a challenge, because OSA in a highly concentrated form (such as in such a supplement) has a strong tendency to stick together, making it no longer absorbable. Hence it is necessary to stabilize the silicon compound used so that the molecules do not stick together. For this reason, choline has been added to the silicon compound to ensure that it remains stable and absorbable. Ch-OSA must also be used in liquid form for good absorption. However, liquid nutritional supplements, such as MMST and ch-OSA, are less pleasant to use for many people. It is less practical. The taste is not always pleasant. In addition, liquids usually do not last very long after opening. It is therefore often necessary to add preservatives.

MESOPOROSIL® from producer Eytelia is a new form of silicon that is optimally absorbable and suitable for processing in capsules and tablets. The special patented technology ensures that the silicon dissolves very well in digestive juices and forms optimally absorbable OSA. Moreover, this technology ensures that dissolved OSA does not stick together in the gastrointestinal tract and therefore remains easily absorbed. Optimally absorbable silicon in capsule or tablet form is still unique in the world of silicon supplements!