Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements

It's also used as a supplement, food additive and anti-clumping agent, all of which contain forms of silica that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved. People often take supplements to reap the purported benefits of silica, like stronger hair, skin and nails; improved bone health and potentially even enhanced immune function.

Silica pills and drops have varying concentrations, depending on the brand. NOW Foods Silica Complex, for example, contains 40 milligrams of silica per serving, while BioSil has only 5 milligrams. Accordingly, make sure to read supplement labels to determine how much silica you're taking.

And when it comes to food, the FDA stipulates that silica should not exceed two percent of a product's total weight.

1. Supplements Aren't Regulated by the FDA

Is silica safe? In short, yes — research thus far suggests that silica capsules don't have any major side effects. There are likewise no silica side effects on skin that have been reported in the research.

Additionally, the FDA does not review or test supplements, so there is no guarantee that a silica vitamin product is as safe or as effective as manufacturers claim. Therefore, it's your responsibility as a customer to check the labels and make an informed decision.

Tip

Talk to your doctor before trying any supplement to make sure it's right for you, according to the Mayo Clinic.

2. They May Not Be Safe for Pregnant People

Supplements — including silica — may pose side effects or risks if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, according to the Mayo Clinic.

As a result, it's best to skip the supplement (though the small amounts of natural silica found in food are OK).

Tip

In general, it's recommended to avoid taking supplements when pregnant unless your doctor instructs you to use them, according to the Mayo Clinic.

3. Crystalline Silica Is Toxic

Silica also exists in crystalline forms, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. These crystalline varieties are used in various industries like construction, mining, glass and agriculture, and can be toxic, per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Kidney disease
• Lung cancer

Crystalline versions of the compound may also cause an incurable, fatal condition known as silicosis, per the OSHA. It typically occurs 10 to 15 years after occupational exposure to crystalline silica.

This type of exposure is more likely to affect those who work in certain industries like construction, per the OSHA. Activities that involve drilling, sawing, grinding, cutting and crushing of rock, concrete, bricks, glass, stones or mortar pose the greatest risk.

Tip

Supplements contain safe, non-crystalline forms of the mineral that are FDA- approved and unlikely to cause side effects, according to the Nutrition & Metabolism review, which is why silica supplement dangers are minimal.

Read more on: livestrong