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Silicon requirement
The daily need for this trace element, which is recognised as essential, was estimated at 10 to 50 mg/day. However, few serious studies have been conducted on the subject. It seems, in any case, that these figures significantly underestimate the body's actual needs.
Dietary intake
It can be seen that the graminaceous plants (oats, millet, barley, rice, corn) are particularly rich in Silicon. The silicon in cereals is localised mainly in the peripheral fractions of the grain. Refined products (polished rice, white flour) are very impoverished in this element
and in minerals more generally. Conversely, the very fine crushing of corn to obtain bran increases the bio availability of the silicon it contains. Mushrooms are also rich in silicon, as are pectins (in particular those of the " skin " of fruit).
Field horsetail represents the best source of soluble siliceous derivatives. It is used in herbal medicine. Its value as fodder is limited, however, because it contains substances that are toxic, in particular for horses, with the possibility of irreversible nervous disorders. (toxicity is attributed to an inhibiting flavone of the B1 vitamin).
Beer is a quasi saturated solution of silicon (which comes from malt = germinated barley).
Food of animal origin is relatively low in silicon, with the exception of those comprising the skin (chicken for example) or offal.
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