Silica
Silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth . 6 , 28 Silicon is rarely found in its elemental form due to its great affinity for oxygen , forming silica . 28 The amount of silica in tissues decreases with age . 6 Silica is present in skin , hair , nails , connective tissues , bones , liver , heart , muscle , kidneys and lungs . 6 Silica plays a vital role in bone formation 28 , 29 and bone matrix quality , facilitates bone mineralisation , 29 bone health , 28 connective tissue , 6 , 28 and skin structure , promotes the formation of collagen 6 and the synthesis of elastin 6 and glycosaminoglycans , 6 , 29 and maintains blood vessel elasticity . 6 In vitro studies demonstrate that silicon stimulates type 1 collagen synthesis and osteoblast differentiation . 29 Additionally , it has been implicated in gene transcription of type I collagen gene , a cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase , the enzyme involved in collagen synthesis . 28 In the Framingham Offspring cohort , higher intake of dietary silicon was significantly positively associated with bone mineral density at the hip sites of men and pre-menopausal women . 28
Conclusion
Minerals plays major roles in clinical practice , particularly in optimising health and managing chronic disease . Some of these roles include the synthesis of haemoglobin and red and white blood cells , immune function , metabolic regulation , energy production , regulation of blood glucose , synthesis of neurotransmitters , bone mineralisation , bone health , formation of connective tissue , and cognitive function .
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