Tag: Silica safety

According to the World Health Organization and International Labour Organization, occupational exposure to silica resulted in an estimated 42,258 global deaths in 2016. This highlights the critical distinction between hazardous, inhaled crystalline silica and generally safe, ingested amorphous silica. So, should I avoid silica? The answer depends entirely on the form and context.

The European Food Safety Authority confirmed in a 2024 opinion that silicon dioxide (E551), the form of silica used as a food additive, does not raise safety concerns at reported use levels for all population groups, including infants.

Approximately 59 percent of the Earth's crust is composed of silica, the most common form of silicon dioxide. The question, "Is silicon dioxide bad for you?", depends entirely on its form and how you are exposed to it, with ingestible food-grade amorphous silica and inhalable crystalline silica dust posing vastly different risks.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food-grade silicon dioxide is categorized as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) when used within regulated limits. The question of whether silicon dioxide has side effects is complex, as its safety profile depends heavily on its physical form and the route of exposure.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), health problems from crystalline or amorphous silica are extremely rare in the general public; rather, they occur mostly in workers breathing in silica dust. This critical distinction is key to answering the question: is silica bad for you in supplements? This article delves into the science to clear up the confusion.

Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is one of the most abundant compounds on Earth, naturally found in sand, quartz, and various plants. In the world of dietary supplements, this versatile substance is included not for its nutritional value but for very specific and important functional purposes.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food-grade hydrated silica is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), but this does not mean all forms of hydrated silica can be safely ingested. Understanding the context is crucial when asking, "Can you ingest hydrated silica?"

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, the body efficiently eliminates excess water-soluble silica within hours, making it unlikely to accumulate in healthy individuals. This fact helps clarify the crucial question of how long can you take silica for and whether long-term supplementation is safe.

While silicon is the second-most abundant element on Earth, it is rarely found on its own and is common in the diet through plant-based foods. This leads many to question: can you consume too much silica and what are the health implications of excessive intake, especially from supplements?

While silicon is the second most abundant element in Earth's crust, what happens if we consume silicon largely depends on its form. The elemental form used in electronics and toxic industrial compounds like silicon carbide pose dangers, whereas the common dietary form, silica, is safely processed by the body and is a key nutrient.