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.
What did the skin trial find?
A 20-week trial in 50 women with sun-damaged facial skin tested choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid supplying 10 mg silicon daily. Two skin-roughness measures improved compared with placebo. A small study of this form cannot establish the same effect for every silica powder. 1
Does stronger hair mean hair regrowth?
EFSA reviewed a nine-month trial in 48 women with fine hair, examining hair structure and mechanical properties. It identified important limitations, including multiple comparisons without statistical adjustment. This was not a demonstration of regrowth in people with hair loss. 2
In that trial, 10 mg silicon daily as choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid reduced deterioration in a hair-elasticity measure compared with placebo. Hair cross-sectional area increased from baseline in the supplement group. The ingredient manufacturer funded the study. 3
EFSA considered the evidence inadequate to substantiate the claim. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Hair & Skin3 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Bone & Joint2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Sources
- Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on skin, nails and hair in women with photodamaged skin Archives of Dermatological Research, 2005
- Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair Archives of Dermatological Research (publisher PDF mirror), 2007