BIOSIL
Silicon is an ultra-trace element.
In the mid 1970s studies at UCLA and other institutions demonstrated
that silicon is an essential element required for the normal growth,
development, and integrity of hair, skin, nails, mucous membranes,
arteries, bones, cartilage and connective tissue. Silicon is also
involved in collagen formation, the fibrous protein matrix which
provides support for tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bones.
The best documented function of silicon is its actions in facilitating
bone calcification and mineralization. Inadequate silicon intake
has been associated with skeletal abnormalities including developmental
deformity; weak, brittle nails and hair; thinning capillaries
and arteries. Weak, bones, joints and connective tissue are major
contributing factors to chronic musculoskeletal pain and disease.
Supplemental silicon may be able to retard these age-related degenerative
changes.
While silicon is exceptionally well tolerated at high doses,
scientists currently estimate the human requirement for silicon
to be between 5 to 20 mg per day. Diets rich is unrefined grains
and whole foods, such as wheat bran and oats are a good source
of silicon. The processing and refining of food substantially
decreases the amount of silicon in our food. Furthermore,
as we grow older, our ability to metabolize dietary silicon declines
due to lower acid levels of the stomach. Therefore, silicon supplementation
may be necessary to maintain healthy bones, joints, hair, nails,
and connective tissue.
The reasons for silicon supplementation are:
- Bones: Silicon helps maintain bone density and strength
by facilitating the deposit of calcium and minerals into bone
tissue.
Joints: Silicon is vital for articular cartilage development
and the integrity of joints and ligaments.
Cardiovascular health: Silicon is essential for the strength
and integrity of the tunica intima, the inner lining of arterial
tissue.
Nails: Silicon helps nails grow faster and harder.
Hair: Silicon helps hair grow thicker and stronger.
Diseases that may be positively affected by silicon supplementation
are:
- Osteoporosis: Silicon has been shown to increase the
bone density of the femur (the bone from the hip to the knee),
Eisinger and Clairet (1993) Magnesium Research, 6,247-249.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Studies in rabbits have shown
regression of atheroma lesions after silicon supplementation,
Loeper et al (1979) Atherosclerosis, 33,397-408.
- Alzheimer Disease: Silicon protects the brain from
aluminum toxicity, which has been associated with Alzheimer's
Disease, Carlisle and Curran (1987) Alzheimer Disease and
Associated Disorders, 1, 83-89.
A Superlative Silicon Product
Jarrow Formulas' BioSil is a 2% silicon solution in the
form of stabilized Orthosilicic Acid. Jarrow's patented
technology has triumphed over silicon's absorption problems.
Because BioSil is a high silicon concentrate, introducing
BioSil into the stomach increases the Orthosilicic Acid concentration
by a factor of 20,000. When calves had their dietary silicon
intake increased by 5% with BioSil, their silicon blood levels
increased 70% compared to control animals. The study also
showed a 12% higher collagen concentration in the skin of
the BioSil-supplemented animals compared to the control animals.
This increase in collagen formation has important implications
for bones and joints since collagen is the major fibrous protein
in these tissue. BioSil is the only silicon product with scientific
proof of absorbability and effectiveness.
All Contents Copyright © 1995-2000 By The
Life Extension Foundation
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