Silicon MP, 100 capsules

Mesoporosil: an innovative form of silicon in capsule form with high absorption

Silicon dietary supplements are in high demand. Furthermore, research is increasingly focusing on this fascinating trace element and its numerous potential applications. Dietary supplements containing solid silicon (such as capsules or tablets) often exhibit insufficient bioavailability. Unfortunately, until now, people have had to rely on liquid (and not always palatable) silicon preparations to obtain easily absorbed silicon.

Thanks to the high-quality research carried out by the manufacturer Eytelia, this has now changed. Vitals’ Silicium-MP contains MESOPOROSIL®, a novel and unique form of silicon that can be easily absorbed in solid form. Due to its ideal bioavailability, a low daily dose of 6–12 mg of silicon (one to two capsules) is sufficient. Really handy.  Furthermore, capsules (and tablets) have the advantage over liquid silicon supplements in that they have a longer shelf life and do not require any preservatives. Find out more below about the benefits of Silicon-MP!

Silicon: an important and multifaceted trace element

Silicon is the second most abundant element on the Earth’s surface. The name ‘silicon’ derives from the Latin word ‘silex’, meaning flint or pebble.  Silicon has a high affinity for oxygen, which is why it does not occur in nature in its pure form, but only bound to oxygen atoms, such as in silicon dioxide (also known as silica).

Silicon dioxide from rock can be dissolved in water, leading to the formation of orthosilicic acid (abbreviated to OSA). See Figure 1. Plants absorb OSA from groundwater and store it in so-called phytoliths. These are silica deposits that are distributed throughout the plant and contribute, amongst other things, to its strength. Silicon is also present in the human body; after iron and zinc, it is one of the most common trace elements.  We do not yet know everything about the importance of silicon for humans . However, there is a growing number of scientific publications on silicon, and our knowledge of it is increasing.

Silicon from the diet: predominantly of plant origin

The silicon content is particularly high in plant-based foods such as wholemeal products, pulses and dates. Horsetail, stinging nettle and bamboo are also rich sources of silicon.  Generally, these are not consumed as they are, but often form the basis for dietary supplements. Water and (non-alcoholic) beer also contain silicon, although the content varies considerably .

Plant-based silicon is often not well absorbed. Orthosilicic acid (OSA) is the naturally occurring, dissolved form of silicon that is most effectively absorbed by plants and humans.  Plant-based sources of silicon, however, contain silicon dioxide, which is poorly soluble and can therefore only be absorbed to a limited extent. This is present in the form of phytoliths, not as OSA, which is easily absorbed.  As a result, the uptake of silicon from plant-based sources such as whole grains and bananas, as well as from dietary supplements containing stinging nettle and bamboo, may be low.

Liquids such as (non-alcoholic) beer and water, which contain dissolved silicon in the form of OSA, are the best sources of easily absorbed silicon.  The form and processing of the silicon determine the bioavailability of dietary supplements. Only a handful of silicon preparations are easily absorbed. One example of this is monomethylsilanetriol (MMST). MMST is referred to as ‘organic’ silicon because the silicon is bonded to a carbon atom . In chemistry, compounds containing a carbon atom are referred to as organic compounds . Although the name might suggest otherwise, the term ‘organic’ has nothing to do with biological or plant-based aspects, nor with how natural this silicon compound is. Silicon bonded to carbon does not exist in nature. MMST is a synthetically produced silicon compound that can only be readily absorbed in liquid form.

Choline-stabilised orthosilicic acid

ch-OSA is another common form of silicon, particularly in liquid dietary supplements. OSA, a form of silicon found in liquid dietary supplements, is very sticky in high concentrations. This makes proper absorption impossible.  To prevent the molecules from clumping together, the silicon compound used must be stabilised.  To ensure stability and absorption, choline has been added to the silicon compound. ch-OSA should be taken in liquid form to ensure good absorption.

MMST and ch-OSA are liquid dietary supplements, but many people find them rather unpleasant to take. They are not particularly convenient to take.  The taste is not always pleasant. Furthermore, liquids generally have a short shelf life once opened. Preservatives are therefore often necessary.

The manufacturer Eytelia offers MESOPOROSIL®, a new form of silicon that is characterised by both optimal absorption and suitability for processing into capsules and tablets . Thanks to the special patented technology , the silicon dissolves very well in digestive juices and forms OSA that is optimally absorbable. This technology also ensures that the dissolved OSA does not clump together in the gastrointestinal tract and thus remains highly absorbable.  This highly absorbable silicon, in capsule or tablet form, remains unrivalled in the field of silicon dietary supplements!

Approved cosmetic claims: Silicon helps to keep the skin firm, smooth and supple. Silicon promotes hydration of the skin. Silicon contributes to the strength of the nails and the density of the hair.

Key ingredients

* No reference amount specified under the Food Information Regulation (LMIV)
MESOPOROSIL® is a registered trademark of Eytelia.

Ingredients

Rice starch (Oryza sativa), vegetable capsule (pullulan, from fermented cassava starch), silicon.

Recommended intake

Take 1–2 capsules per day with water, with a meal.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place away from light (not in the fridge).

Legal information

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of young children.