What is organic silicon and should you use it? – GOOD SHAPE

No skin structure is as targeted as collagen. And this has a (in fact, several) reason (reasons) of being: “The lack of collagen, in the case of the skin, causes a more accentuated and earlier sagging, a loss of elasticity, of vigor and greater dehydration. But it can also affect other areas of the body, with increased bone and joint wear,” explains the dermatologist. Dr. Patricia Maframember of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

But producing collagen is not such a simple task – and it also involves other nutrients, such as silicon. “Silicon is a chemical element, the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust, behind only oxygen. It composes numerous mineral structures such as clay, granite, quartz and sand, where it is found in the form of silicon dioxide, known as silica and silicates. Considered an essential nutrient that can be obtained in the diet or as a food supplement, it collaborates with the synthesis of collagen, elastin and the formation of glycosaminoglycans that make up the extracellular matrix of connective tissues”, highlights the nutritionist D.frog. Marcella Garcezdirector and professor at the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (ABRAN).

FUNCTION OF SILICON

Known as a “natural cement”, silicon is a trace element present in the body since we were born, but we progressively lose it over the years. As it is important for bone metabolism, vessels, arteries, skin, hair and nails, this loss will be responsible for several changes in adulthood, which raises the hypothesis of supplementation as the ideal way to replace this silicon”, says Marcella.

“The organic silicon for oral use is intended to help in the production of elastin fibers and in the construction of the collagen synthesis necessary for our body. Therefore, he acts directly in cell renewal, in the proper functioning of bones and joints and in the immune system. From the age of 20, the concentration of organic silicon in the body begins to reduce, also leading to a decrease in collagen synthesis”, he says. Maria Eugenia Ayrespharmaceutical and technical manager of Biotec Dermocosméticos.

“Silicon is also involved in the synthesis, compaction and elasticity of keratin in hair and nails. It also plays a role in modulating the immune and inflammatory response and is associated with mental health, it has a chelating and antioxidant effect, reducing the deposition of heavy metals”, adds Dr. Marcella Garcia.

WHERE IS IT FOUND

Organic silicon is present in various food groups such as fruits (apple, orange, mango, banana), vegetables (cabbage, cabbage, carrots, onions, cucumbers, pumpkin), oilseeds (peanuts, almonds), cereals (rice, corn, oats , barley, wheat bran) and seafood.

but there is a small problem: “Found in the diet, silicon does not always offer good bioavailability due to the enzymatic action that results in silica or silicate, therefore it must be stabilized in the form of orthosilicic acid to be absorbed”, explains Dr. Marcella. “Silicon needs to be stabilized by another molecule (hydrolyzed collagen) in order to have bioavailability and absorption by the body. Stabilization prevents polymerization, causing the silicon molecule to be protected. In this way, the molecule will be small and will have high bioavailability”, he points out. Maria Eugenia.

SILICON SUPPLEMENTATION

According to the pharmaceutical company, supplementation can be done with Exsynutriment, Monado’s silicon and the only one on the market developed through an original manufacturing method, registered under an international patent. “Through this method, hydrogen bonds were created between a collagen hydrolyzate and orthosilicic acid (silicon) in solution. These connections are stable and do not allow polymerization to occur when the product dries. Through this technology, it was possible to ensure the bioavailability of Organic Silicon within the organism”, highlights Maria Eugênia.

From the age of 20, we can replace silicon orally. “The concentration of this substance in food is relatively low. Therefore, it is necessary to resort to the organic silicon supplement, in capsules, a version of the product stabilized in hydrolyzed collagen (Exsynutriment) being absorbed more efficiently by the organism”, says the pharmacist.

SILICON X PROCEDURES

Silicon is also a strategy to maximize the action of aesthetic procedures. “In particular, when patients are going to undergo procedures that stimulate collagen production, such as the injectable application of collagen biostimulators or the performance of laser devices or microfocused ultrasound, on these occasions I think it is essential to take oral collagen supplementation, preferably associated with some antioxidants and organic silicon”, says Dr. Patricia Mafra. “Most aesthetic treatments for sagging stimulate the fibroblast through growth factors to produce more collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, thus improving skin elasticity. Assets such as Exsynutriment help in this process and serve as a substrate for aesthetic treatments to really work. This is because Exsynutriment, silicon stabilized in marine collagen, stimulates the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, which improves skin tone and reduces sagging”, says the nutritionist Luisa Wolpe Simasintegrated nutrition consultant at Biotec Dermocosméticos.

“It is also indicated to improve the result of some procedures such as laser, microneedling, fillers and even botulinum toxin. There is an improvement in skin tone in more flaccid regions, such as the breasts, buttocks, inner thighs and posterior region of the arms”, says Maria Eugênia.