ADVERTORIAL
Monomethylsilanetriol ( MMST ): a bioavailable silicon for connective tissue support
By Wendy McLean | BHSc ( Nat ), BAdvSc ( Hons ), PhD
Silicon is an essential mineral for human health , and after iron and zinc , it is the third most abundant trace element in the human body . Silicon is found in all cells and tissues but is especially prevalent in connective tissues , such as bone , skin , cartilage , tendons and blood vessels . 1 It provides a vital role in the production and elasticity of collagen , a major component of connective tissue . Silicon is needed for the formation of glycosaminoglycans , such as hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate , which , together with collagen , form the extracellular matrix of connective tissue . 2 As silicon levels decrease with age , supplementation with a bioavailable form of silicon may be of benefit . 3
Silicon absorption and bioavailability
Silicon is a common dietary component ; however , dietary silicon exists in numerous chemical forms , which determines its absorption and bioavailability . Larger molecules ( polymers ) and colloidal forms of silicon are more poorly absorbed due to the need to be broken down into soluble single molecules ( monomers ) in the gastrointestinal lumen before absorption . 4 Accordingly , foods that have high levels of silicon are not necessarily good sources of silicon because the absorption of the silicon species present depends on how readily they are degraded to monomeric forms in the gastrointestinal tract . 5
MMST : a bioavailable form of silicon
Various silicon supplements are available on the market ; however , these vary in their bioavailability . Organic compounds , such as monomethylsilanetriol ( MMST ), address significant issues with other supplemental sources of silicon by providing a highly bioavailable source of silicon . 6 MMST is a clinically trialled monomeric form of silicon . Absorption of this form of silicon ( 64 %) is significantly higher than other supplemental forms including cholinestabilised orthosilicic acid ( Ch-OSA ) ( 17 %), and colloidal anhydrous silica , silicon dioxide ( silica ), bamboo , and horsetail ( 0.5 – 1.0 %). 5-7 Orthosilicic acid ( OSA ) is the biologically active form of silicon , and plays a role in the release of Silicon into cells . It has been found that OSA is readily released from MMST . 8
Silicon in human health
Silicon in nutritional amounts promotes bone and connective tissue health ; and supplementation with a bioavailable form may be beneficial in individuals with a variety of connective tissue disorders . In joints , silicon is a critical component of articular cartilage and provides structural integrity by binding to glycosaminoglycans within the matrix of joints . 9 In the skin , silicon is required for synthesis and crosslinking of collagen fibres , which is important for improving skin strength and elasticity and cross-linking of glycosaminoglycans , which attracts and maintains water in the skin . Silicon helps to slow skin aging , and also brings strength and resistance to hair and nails . 10
Silicon is an important initiator of bone mineralisation and facilitates the deposit of calcium and other minerals into bone tissue . 1 It inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and bone loss . Increased intake of bioavailable silicon has been associated with increased bone mineral density . 11 Silicon supplementation in animals and humans has been shown to increase bone mineral density and improve bone strength . 1
Silicon promotes the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibres , which are a significant component of the connective tissue of blood vessels , such as arteries , and supplementation has been shown to prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in preclinical
12 , 13 stuides .
Clinical summary
The absorption of common supplemental forms of silicon are significantly limited by poor bioavailability of approximately 1 %. MMST is a novel , clinically trialled form of silicon , with an absorption rate of approximately 64 %, and offers practitioners a safe and effective option for conditions characterised by connective tissue dysfunction .
For further clinical support , see BioMedica ’ s technical sheet . “ Silicon absorption and bioavailability – an essential clinical consideration ”.
Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed in these advertorials are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ATMS or its Directors .
54 | vol27 | no1 | JATMS