Meta Information
ID:silicon
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/antacids
Target name:
Aluminum-Containing Antacids
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Silicon, particularly as orthosilicic acid, can form complexes with aluminum in the gut, dramatically increasing its absorption. This can lead to aluminum accumulation and toxicity, a risk that is severely amplified in individuals with impaired kidney function.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking silicon supplements with any aluminum-containing antacids (e.g., Gaviscon, Maalox).
Target id:
/condition/renal-impairment
Target name:
Renal Impairment
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The kidneys are responsible for excreting excess silicon. In cases of significant renal impairment, silicon can accumulate to potentially harmful levels, and the risk of aluminum toxicity from other sources is greatly magnified.
Actionable advice:
Do not supplement with silicon if you have significant kidney disease, unless under direct medical supervision.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Food, especially meals high in fiber, can interfere with the absorption of supplemental silicon. Taking it on an empty stomach with water maximizes its bioavailability.
Actionable advice:
Take silicon with a glass of water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Target id:
/class/loop-diuretics
Target name:
Loop Diuretics
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide, bumetanide) increase the urinary excretion of various minerals, including silicon. Long-term use may deplete bodily stores of silicon.
Actionable advice:
If taking loop diuretics long-term, discuss your silicon status with your healthcare provider.
Target id:
/class/viscous-fibers
Target name:
High-Fiber Foods & Supplements
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Dietary fibers, particularly gel-forming fibers like psyllium or beta-glucans, can bind to minerals in the gut and reduce the absorption of supplemental silicon.
Actionable advice:
Take silicon supplements at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after high-fiber meals or fiber supplements.
Target id:
/intervention/bisphosphonates
Target name:
Bisphosphonates
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Bisphosphonates have very poor and specific absorption requirements. Taking them with any mineral, including silicon, can significantly reduce their uptake and effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Separate silicon supplements from bisphosphonate medications by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/intervention/collagen-peptides
Target name:
Collagen Peptides
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Silicon is a crucial cofactor for the enzyme prolyl hydroxylase, which is essential for collagen cross-linking and stabilization. Co-supplementation provides both the building blocks (peptides) and a key catalyst (silicon) for connective tissue synthesis.
Actionable advice:
Taking silicon and collagen together may enhance benefits for skin, hair, nails, and joint health.
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin-d3_systemic_healthspan
Target name:
Vitamin D
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Silicon contributes to the organic matrix of bone (collagen), while Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Together, they support both the structural framework and mineralization of bone.
Actionable advice:
Ensure adequate Vitamin D levels when taking silicon for bone health.
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin-k2
Target name:
Vitamin K2
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Silicon helps build the bone's collagen matrix, while Vitamin K2 activates proteins that direct calcium into that matrix. This combination ensures calcium is deposited correctly for optimal bone density.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking Vitamin K2 alongside silicon as part of a comprehensive bone support strategy.
Target id:
/intervention/boron
Target name:
Boron
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Boron and silicon appear to have complementary roles in bone and connective tissue health. Boron influences the metabolism of calcium and magnesium, which complements silicon's role in matrix formation.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking boron as part of a comprehensive bone support protocol that includes silicon.
Target id:
/class/chelating-minerals
Target name:
High-Dose Mineral Supplements
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
While silicon is absorbed differently than many divalent cations, taking it concurrently with very high doses of other minerals (e.g., calcium, magnesium, zinc) may create competitive interference in the gut.
Actionable advice:
Separate silicon from other high-dose mineral supplements by at least 2 hours for optimal absorption.