Orthosilicic acid is a natural substance found in seafood, seawater, vegetables, whole grains, and certain beverages, including beer. Sometimes referred to as soluble silica, an ortho silicic acid is a dietary form of silicon, a mineral involved in the formation of collagen and bone.

Orthosilicic acid is available in supplement form and is used to treat certain medical conditions and to boost hair and skin health. Some, but not all, of these uses have been supported by scientific evidence.

Note: Silicon should not be confused with silicone—a substance used to make medical devices, including breast implants.

Health Benefits

Some alternative medicine proponents claim that orthosilicic acid supplements can treat or prevent a wide range of health conditions, including:

Alzheimer's disease

Arthritis

Atherosclerosis

Heart disease

High cholesterol

Stroke

In addition, orthosilicic acid is said to improve nails, protect skin from the negative effects of aging, preserve dental health, and stimulate digestion.

To date, very few studies have tested the health effects of orthosilicic acid, so it's too soon to recommend it as a treatment for any condition. However, preliminary research shows that orthosilicic acid may offer certain health benefits in some key areas.

Bone Health

In early studies on human cells, scientists discovered that orthosilicic acid may help promote bone formation by stimulating the production of collagen (a protein found in connective tissue, including bone) and promoting the development of bone-forming cells.1

A 2008 study from BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders suggested that orthosilicic acid may help protect against loss of bone density. For the study, 136 women with osteopenia took calcium, vitamin D, and either orthosilicic acid or a placebo every day for a year.