What foods provide silicon?
Not much is really known about the silicon content of various foods. Plant sources, including high-fiber cereal grains and root vegetables, seem to be better sources than animal sources. The RDA for silicon has yet to be established.
What does silicon do in the body?
Silicon, in the form of quartz, is one of the most abundant minerals on the planet. However, silicon makes only a minuscule contribution to human body weight. Silicon seems to be involved in the health of connective tissue. In bone, silicon seems to improve the rates of both bone mineralization and growth. The manufacturing of collagen, a predominant protein found in connective tissue, relies upon an adequate supply of the nonessential amino acid proline and a slightly modified form of proline called hydroxyproline. Silicon is probably required for the optimal production of both proline and hydroxyproline. Silicon is also important for the manufacturing of other proteins and substances vital to proper connective tissue.
What happens in silicon deficiency and toxicity?
Silicon deficiency can result in poor growth and development of bone, including decreased mineralization. Not much is known at this time regarding silicon toxicity.