Oral silicon supplementation: an effective therapy for preventing oral aluminum absorption and retention in mammals

Abstract

Silicon is an essential element for some lower forms of life. However, it is not generally considered an essential nutrient for mammals and the mechanisms underlying its potential essentiality remain partially unknown. In recent years, a possible association between the aluminum and silicon levels in drinking water and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been suggested. It has been reported that silicon might have a protective effect for limiting oral aluminum absorption. This review is focused primarily on the potential role of silicon in preventing oral aluminum absorption and retention in mammals. The results of a number of studies suggest that dietary silicon supplementation could be of therapeutic value for preventing chronic aluminum accumulation in the brain, and hence, be a potential therapy for AD. However, it must be noted that controversy remains about whether aluminum accumulation in the brain is a cause or a consequence of AD. It is suggested that further investigation of this issue is warranted.

Silicic Acid and Beer Consumption Reverses the Metal Imbalance and the Prooxidant Status Induced by Aluminum Nitrate in Mouse Brain

“…Si has been suggested to interact with Al through the formation of non-toxic aluminosilicates that decrease free Al concentrations [11]. Formation of aluminosilicate prevents Al intestinal absorption, and thus prevents chronic aluminum accumulation that may cause or enhance neurodegeneration in the brain [27].…”

Oral Administration of Si-Based Agent Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in a Rat Model: A Novel Hydrogen Administration Method

“…We have developed a new strategy to successfully generate large amounts of H 2 molecules by crushing Si to nano-sized particles and allowing these nanoparticles to react with alkaline water. Si is not an essential nutrient for mammals, and the underlying biological function remains unclear; however, oral Si supplementation for mammals is reportedly harmless (11). We therefore evaluated the efficacy of nano-Si administration in an in vivo model of acute renal IRI.…”

“…In water with a pH of 8.0, nano-Si with a median diameter of 9.6 nm could generate up to 55 mL/g H 2 within 1 h, which corresponds to that contained in ∼3 L saturated H 2 -rich water. Si and its oxide are non-poisonous materials and are therefore considered as appropriate for medical applications (11).…”

Update on the Possible Nutritional Importance of Silicon

“…Formation of aluminosilciate prevents aluminum absorption and retention, and thus prevents chronic aluminum accumulation that may cause or enhance neurodegeneration in the brain [30].…”