The role of silicon in the human body
Silicon is a trace element. After iron and zinc, it is the third most widespread trace element in the human body. There are about two grams of silicon in the body.
Unlike other trace elements, it is not bound to protein complexes in the blood, but is present in the form of silicic acid. Not every form of silicon is usable by the human body. As scientific studies have shown, orthosilicic acid is absorbable.
The importance of silicon can be judged on the basis of its occurrence in individual parts of the body. The highest silicon concentrations were found in connective tissues, aorta, trachea, bones and skin. Lower concentrations were found in the liver, muscles, heart and lungs. Silicon gives flexibility to connective tissues. In bones, it participates in mineralization and their formation. Silicon also plays a role in the formation of cartilage, joints, teeth, hair and nails, as well as the strength and flexibility of tendons, skin and blood vessels. Thanks to the effect of silicon, the hair is flexible and resistant to breakage, and the skin is well supplied with blood. The formation of wrinkles and drying of the skin in older age is, among other things, linked to a lack of silicon. Decreasing the intake of biologically usable silicon with increasing age also entails a deterioration in the elasticity of blood vessels. A significantly lower level of silicon was found in people with calcified arteries, which may be related to a silicon deficiency in the human body. Silicon deficiency may play a role in the development of degenerative disorders such as atherosclerosis. In areas of France where mineral waters with a higher silicon content were consumed, a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease was recorded. A three-month therapy with mineral water with a higher silicon content contributed to an increased excretion of aluminum in the urine, without any negative side effect being observed. The need for silicon is also associated with sufficient immunity. Silicon supports the normal activity of macrophages and white blood cells. Macrophages are cells of natural immunity that play a very important role in the body's defense response. They are able to absorb foreign material including microorganisms. Silicic acid creates a protective surface on the stomach lining. In some cases, it can help with health problems related to irritation of the stomach lining. Magnesium salts of silicic acid are used as part of some antacids - drugs that reduce the acidity of stomach contents.
"I would like to wish Krondorf water much success on the market, and perhaps in the future we will also meet it in professional scientific studies monitoring the beneficial physiological effects of silicon, as was the case with similar foreign waters."
Doc. Ing. Jiří Brát, CSC.
Specialist in the field of food and nutrition
