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Mineral

Silica

Silica is silicon dioxide, a compound of silicon and oxygen found in sand, quartz and plants such as horsetail. Supplements use it as a source of silicon.

Hair & SkinBone & Joint

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Skin textureHair & SkinModerateBNo linked study
Bone densityBone & JointModerateBNo linked study
Skin HydrationHair & SkinSmallBNo linked study
Hair StrengthHair & SkinSmallCNo linked study
Joint MobilityBone & JointSmallCNo linked study
Every rating with its studiesGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What does Kieselerde mean?

Kieselerde describes silicon-rich mineral deposits, including fossilized diatom shells. Silicon is not established as an essential human nutrient. 1

Why people take it

Essential Health20.6%
Immune Support17.5%
Bone & Joint13.1%
Energy10.9%
Hair & Skin8.1%
Longevity7.5%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Does the skin trial prove hair regrowth?

No. It studied skin measurements and reported hair and nail brittleness, not reversal of hair loss. 2

Are the German maximum amounts intake targets?

No. They are proposed safety limits for specified supplement forms. 3

Has EFSA accepted the broad beauty claims?

The 2011 assessment did not establish the claimed benefits for skin, hair, and nails. 4

Sources

  1. Schöne Haare durch Kieselerde? Verbraucherzentrale, 2026