Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Silicon, particularly in the form of orthosilicic acid or silicon-rich supplements, has been studied for its potential benefits in aging, mainly through its effects on skin, hair, nails, and bone health. Silicon is a trace element found in connective tissue, and it is thought to contribute to collagen synthesis and stabilization. Several small-scale clinical studies have demonstrated that silicon supplementation can improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and strengthen hair and nails, all of which are concerns associated with aging. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in Archives of Dermatological Research (2005) found that women supplementing with choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid experienced improved skin roughness and elasticity compared to placebo. Additionally, silicon has been shown to play a role in bone mineralization, suggesting a potential benefit in preventing age-related bone loss.

However, the overall body of evidence remains limited in scope and scale. There are few large, long-term randomized controlled trials, and most studies focus on surrogate markers (like skin elasticity or collagen content) rather than direct measures of aging prevention or longevity. As such, while there is some scientific support for silicon's role in mitigating certain visible or structural aspects of aging, the evidence is not strong or comprehensive enough to warrant a higher rating. Silicon is not traditionally used for anti-aging, but modern scientific interest justifies a modest evidence score.

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