Overview |
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Bioactive Silicon, commonly marketed under the name BioSil, is a patented form of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA)—a highly bioavailable source of silicon, an essential trace mineral involved in the formation of collagen, elastin, and keratin.
Unlike elemental silicon (which has poor bioavailability), BioSil delivers silicon in a form the body can efficiently absorb and use, making it popular in skin, hair, nail, bone, and joint health supplements.
🔬 How It Works
BioSil activates the body’s natural ability to generate and protect its own collagen, rather than providing collagen directly. The two key components in BioSil are:
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Orthosilicic Acid (OSA): Stimulates collagen production and supports connective tissue health.
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Choline: Stabilizes the OSA and supports fat metabolism, brain health, and liver function.
Together, these ingredients promote:
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Collagen regeneration
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Elasticity in skin
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Stronger hair and nails
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Bone mineral density
🌟 Claimed Benefits
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Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
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Increases skin elasticity and moisture retention
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Strengthens hair shafts and reduces brittleness
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Enhances nail hardness
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Supports joint flexibility and cartilage health
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Promotes bone strength and density
💊 Typical Dosage
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Most studies and products recommend 5 mg of silicon (as ch-OSA) once or twice daily, often in capsule or liquid form.
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Consistency is key—benefits are usually seen after 12+ weeks of regular use.
⚠️ Safety and Side Effects
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Generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
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Mild gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea) may occur in sensitive individuals.
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Pregnant or nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
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Research Studies / References |
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N. N. Greenwood, A. Earnshaw, Chemistry of the Elements, 2nd ed., Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, UK, 1997. |
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R. K. Iler, The Chemistry of Silica, Wiley, New York, 1979. |
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Siever, R. (1991). Silica in the oceans: biological-geological interplay. In: Schneider, S. H., Boston, P. H. (eds.), Scientists On Gaia, The MIT Press, Cambridge MA, USA, pp. 287-295. |
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Treguer, P., Nelson, D. M., Van Bennekom, A. J., DeMaster, D. J., Leynaert, A. and Queguiner, B. (1995). The silica balance in the world ocean: A reestimate. Science 268, 375-379. |
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Gonzalez-Muñoz MJ, Meseguer I, Sanchez-Reus MI, et al. (2008). "Beer consumption reduces cerebral oxidation caused by aluminum toxicity by normalizing gene expression of tumor necrotic factor alpha and several antioxidant enzymes". Food Chem. Toxicol. 46 (3): 1111-8. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2007.11.006. PMID 18096288. |
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Martin KR (2007). "The chemistry of silica and its potential health benefits". J Nutr Health Aging 11 (2): 94-7. PMID 17435951. |
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Reffitt DM, Ogston N, Jugdaohsingh R, et al. (2003). "Orthosilicic acid stimulates collagen type 1 synthesis and osteoblastic differentiation in human osteoblast-like cells in vitro". Bone 32 (2): 127-35. doi:10.1016/S8756-3282(02)00950-X. PMID 12633784. |
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Wickett RR, Kossmann E, Barel A, et al. (2007). "Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair". Arch. Dermatol. Res. 299 (10): 499-505. doi:10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z. PMID 17960402. |
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Barel A, Calomme M, Timchenko A, et al. (2005). "Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on skin, nails and hair in women with photodamaged skin". Arch. Dermatol. Res. 297 (4): 147-53. doi:10.1007/s00403-005-0584-6. PMID 16205932. |
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Scheinfeld N, Dahdah MJ, Scher R (2007). "Vitamins and minerals: their role in nail health and disease". J Drugs Dermatol 6 (8): 782-7. PMID 17763607. |
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Calomme M, Geusens P, Demeester N, et al. (2006). "Partial prevention of long-term femoral bone loss in aged ovariectomized rats supplemented with choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid". Calcif. Tissue Int. 78 (4): 227-32. PMID 16604283. |
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Calomme MR, Vanden Berghe DA (1997). "Supplementation of calves with stabilized orthosilicic acid. Effect on the Si, Ca, Mg, and P concentrations in serum and the collagen concentration in skin and cartilage". Biol Trace Elem Res 56 (2): 153-65. PMID 9164661. |
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Spector TD, Calomme MR, Anderson SH, et al. (2008). "Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid supplementation as an adjunct to calcium/vitamin D3 stimulates markers of bone formation in osteopenic females: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial". BMC Musculoskelet Disord 9: 85. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-9-85. PMID 18547426. | |
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