LIVING SILICA's Innovation: Unlocking Bioavailability for Better Results

In silicon-based nutraceuticals, bioavailability is the primary determinant of performance. Not all silicon forms are equally effective, and their functionality depends largely on molecular structure, solubility, and stability in solution.

LIVING SILICA® has been developed to address these challenges by providing a stabilized, highly bioavailable form of silicon, suitable for modern nutraceutical and functional formulations.

Silicon in Human Physiology and Nutrition

Silicon is a trace element present in various tissues, including:

• Bone and connective tissue
• Skin, hair, and nails
• Vascular structures

Dietary silicon is typically obtained from cereals, vegetables, fruits, and drinking water. However, its bioavailability varies significantly depending on its chemical form.

From a formulation perspective, this variability highlights the importance of selecting soluble and stable silicon sources.

Structural Limitations of Conventional Silicon Forms

In nature, silicon is most commonly found as:

• Silica (SiO₂)
• Silicates (polymeric structures)

These forms are:

• Highly stable
• Poorly soluble
• Minimally bioavailable

Even orthosilicic acid (OSA), the biologically relevant form, presents limitations. While it is absorbable, it is only stable at low concentrations and tends to polymerize into larger, insoluble structures, reducing its effectiveness in formulations.

MMST: A Stabilized, Monomeric Silicon Form

Monomethylsilanetriol (MMST) is a chemically modified form of silicon designed to overcome the limitations of conventional sources.

Key characteristics include:

• Monomeric structure, enabling efficient absorption
• Improved stability compared to OSA
• High solubility in aqueous systems

These properties allow MMST to remain in a form that is compatible with intestinal absorption and systemic distribution.

From a formulation standpoint, maintaining silicon in a non-polymerized, soluble state is critical to ensuring performance.

Figure 1. Chemical structures of Si-containing molecules silicate (a), orthosilicic acid (b), and their resemblance with monomethylsilanetriol (c).

The Role of Solubility and Polymerization Control

Solubility is a key factor influencing the absorption of silicon.

Poorly soluble or polymerized forms tend to:

• Aggregate into larger molecular structures
• Reduce intestinal uptake
• Limit bioavailability

In contrast, stabilized MMST is designed to:

• Remain soluble at physiological conditions
• Resist polymerization within defined concentration ranges
• Support consistent absorption profiles

This makes it particularly suitable for liquid and powder-based delivery systems.

Comparative Bioavailability Considerations

The bioavailability of silicon is closely linked to its degree of polymerization.

• Highly polymerized forms (e.g., silica, silicates) → low absorption
• Unstabilized OSA → prone to polymerization
• Stabilized monomeric forms (e.g., MMST) → improved absorption potential (See post “Understanding the Silica Absorption Process for Better Health”)

Scientific studies have shown that stabilized, low-molecular-weight silicon forms provide more efficient delivery compared to conventional sources.

For product developers, this translates into greater predictability and formulation reliability.

LIVING SILICA®: A Stabilized Delivery System

LIVING SILICA® incorporates MMST into a stabilized system, often combined with acacia gum as a functional carrier.

This system is designed to:

• Maintain molecular stability over time
• Support solubility across formulations
• Enable consistent delivery of bioavailable silicon

Its properties allow integration into multiple applications, including:

• Nutraceutical supplements
• Functional foods and beverages
• Beauty-from-within formulations

Figure 2. The comparative absorption of Silica in its different forms. CS: Colloidal Silica; ChOSA: Choline-stabilised Orthosilicic Acid; OSA: Orthosilicic Acid; MMST: monomethylsilanetriol (Sripanyakorn et al., 2009).

Enabling Advanced Formulation Strategies

Living Silica® is a molecule patented by Silicium Laboratories, (a Spanish Manufacturer of Silica-based dietary supplements established in Miami, Florida in 2008) that stabilizes Monomethylsilanetriol (MMST) in hydrolyzed acacia gum making it highly bioavailable for different uses (such as dietary supplements, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, etc), stable, organic, and water-soluble molecule with fundamental characteristics for bioactive compounds.

The product is available in the commercial dietary supplement market and has been shown to offer various health benefits, including the strengthening and boosting of the natural synthesis of biomolecules such as collagen that make up bones, muscles, joints, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, as well as contributes to beautifies the skin, nails, and hair. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the beauty-enhancing properties of MMST for human bodies. MMST is a unique bioactive molecule that plays a crucial role in the structure and health of skin, hair, nails, bones, muscles, joints, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

Moreover, this comprehensive exploration delves into the innovative use of silica in supplement formulations, highlighting its unique properties and benefits. This positions bioavailable silicon as a functional and differentiating ingredient in high-growth categories.

Technical Documentation and Formulation Support

For detailed specifications, scientific documentation, or formulation guidance:

• +1 (305) 779-0171 | (877) 454 2486
• lab@orgonolivingsilica.com

Or fill out our contact form to connect with our team.

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