Why We Use Silicon Dioxide in Some Products

Z Natural Foods is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of transparency and quality in our diverse range of all-natural products. We take great pride in sourcing premium, natural ingredients, ensuring that our customers receive products characterized by purity, freshness, and cleanliness.

Our commitment to quality extends to providing comprehensive documentation for all our offerings. This includes detailed information regarding ingredients, country of origin, and Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) for each product. Moreover, we meticulously archive batch lot numbers to ensure traceability and consistency in every purchase.

Silicon dioxide exists naturally within the earth and our bodies.⁷

A notable aspect of our product range is the judicious use of natural silicon dioxide, a component often misunderstood in the natural foods industry. Silicon dioxide, a naturally occurring compound composed of silicon (Si) and oxygen (O2), forming SiO2, is abundant both within the Earth's crust and the human body. It serves as a crucial anti-caking agent, widely utilized to prevent the clumping of natural, raw materials, thus preserving the integrity and usability of our products.

For instance, our popular Organic Freeze-Dried Blackberry Powder contains a minimal necessary amount of silicon dioxide. This inclusion is pivotal in ensuring the powder remains free-flowing and easy to use. Without the careful integration of this anti-caking agent, the product could solidify, significantly hindering its practicality and usability. Our addition of silicon dioxide, therefore, is essential for maintaining the product's ease of use, allowing for effortless incorporation into smoothies, yogurts, or as a nutritious topping on various foods.

Silicon Dioxide is a trace mineral necessary for healthy bones, skin, hair, and nails -- found naturally in many plant foods

Silicon, a trace mineral, plays a pivotal role in various physiological functions within the human body. It is found in numerous structures including blood vessels, cartilage, tendons, bones, collagen, and skin. Advanced scientific research highlights its significant presence in the aorta, underscoring its importance in vascular health.⁸

Beyond common perceptions, Silicon collaborates with Nitric Oxide (NO) in maintaining arterial health. This synergy is crucial for preserving the elasticity of blood vessel walls, a vital factor in preventing the permeability of these walls to fatty deposits and calcium – key contributors to plaque formation. This elasticity is instrumental in cardiovascular health, positioning Silicon as an increasingly recognized nutrient in cardiovascular nutrition research.⁸

Contemporary studies indicate a decline in tissue Silicon levels with aging. A deficiency in Silicon is characterized by symptoms such as dry and brittle hair, brittle nails, suboptimal skin quality, inefficient calcium utilization, and potential arterial diseases. Furthermore, research suggests that Silicon supplementation can significantly enhance collagen synthesis in growing bones.⁹ 

The recommended daily intake of Silicon for adults ranges between 200 to 500 mg. This intake is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of various bodily tissues.

When necessary, Z Natural Foods uses minimal amounts of silicon dioxide while never exceeding 2% of the weight of the food (often using just a fraction of this amount).

At Z Natural Foods, we conscientiously utilize Silicon dioxide in minimal quantities, ensuring it never exceeds 2% of the total weight of the food product, often utilizing merely a fraction of this amount. Our approach aligns with the acceptable use guidelines set forth by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA)⁴ and the World Health Organization (WHO)⁵. We are committed to maintaining the natural integrity of our food products while ensuring compliance with global health standards.

Silicon Dioxide is naturally found in fruits, vegetables, garlic, and even dark greens

Additionally, this essential trace mineral is naturally found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and seeds, as well as herbs such as parsley, garlic, and horsetail. Horsetail, in particular, is a common ingredient in hair, skin, and nail products because of its high content of silicon dioxide.

The fruits and vegetables that rank the highest in this amazing trace mineral include grapes, oranges, apples, cherries, plums, artichokes, beans, peas, asparagus, beet, celery, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, onions and dark greens of all kinds.

Silicon Dioxide is a prevalent mineral found in a wide variety of foods and is safe and may be essential to our health

Understandably, many of our customers come to us confused and misinformed. In many cases, the information found on the internet is questionable and may not be accurate or current.

We urge you to do your own research from reputable sources and obtain the most reliable information about the products you consume. Z Natural Foods is proud of our transparency policy and are happy to provide you with up-to-date information on any of our products and even its particular ‘batch lot number’.

As always, we welcome your questions and inquiries.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Silicon Dioxide? 

Silicon dioxide, or silica (SiO2), is a compound of silicon and oxygen, constituting 59% of the Earth's crust and a key component in most rocks. Found in nature, it is vital in various ecosystems.

In the food and supplement industry, SiO2 is used as an anti-caking agent to improve texture and shelf life. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies it as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) when used in small quantities, recommending a maximum of 2% of daily food intake, or about 10-30 grams.

Silicon dioxide exists in two primary forms: crystalline silica and amorphous silica, each with unique properties relevant to their use and safety. Ongoing research and quality control, supported by scientific communities and regulatory bodies like the FDA and World Health Organization (WHO), ensure safe and effective use of SiO2 in products. For comprehensive information, authoritative sources such as the FDA, USDA, and the Mayo Clinic Research Information Center offer detailed insights. 

Is Silicon a natural ingredient? 

Silicon, a trace mineral naturally occurring as silicon and oxygen, is characterized by strong covalent bonds in its atomic structure. It predominantly exists in combined forms like silicon dioxide in sand, quartz, crystal, and silicates in granite, mica, and clay, illustrating its widespread presence in the Earth's crust.

Dietarily, silicon dioxide is found in foods such as rice, beans, leafy greens, and root vegetables. This highlights its nutritional relevance, contributing to the dietary intake of silicon. The herbal supplement industry also utilizes silicon-rich herbs like horsetail, nettle, and oat straw, especially in calcium-enriched products, showcasing its utility in natural health products.  

Is silicon dioxide harmful to humans? 

The safety profile of silicon dioxide (SiO2), particularly in its role as a food additive, has been a subject of scientific scrutiny. A comprehensive re-evaluation conducted in 2018 by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and published in the EFSA Journal provides critical insights into this matter. The EFSA Scientific Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies (NDA Panel), initially tasked in 2004 to derive an Upper Limit (UL) for silicon intake from food, played a pivotal role in this assessment.

Silicon, predominantly occurring as silicon dioxide (silica) and silicates in natural food sources, is also added to food products as an anti-caking and antifoaming agent. This addition typically takes the form of silica, silicates, and dimethylpolysiloxane. The NDA Panel noted the variable systemic availability of silicon from these sources, generally observing it to be low.

In their 2004 conclusion, the EFSA NDA Panel highlighted the absence of suitable dose-response data to establish a definitive UL for silicon. However, they provided an estimation of the dietary intake of silicon. According to their findings, a daily intake of 20-50 mg of silicon, corresponding to approximately 0.3-0.8 mg/kg body weight per day in a 60-kg individual, is unlikely to pose a risk of adverse health effects. This conclusion is pivotal in understanding the safety of silicon dioxide in human consumption, particularly within the parameters of typical dietary intake.

What is silicon dioxide most commonly used for?

Due to its ability to block moisture absorption and prevent ingredients from clumping together, silicon dioxide is used in food products to help maintain their texture and shelf life. Silicon Dioxide helps separate food particles and permits water to wet them individually instead of producing clumps.

Which foods contain silicon dioxide?

Silicon dioxide, a naturally occurring mineral, is a prevalent component in a diverse array of foods. Its presence is particularly notable in certain vegetables, fruits, cereals, and grains.

Among vegetables, green beans are recognized for their high silica content, offering approximately seven grams per cup. Similarly, root vegetables like beets are notable sources. Leafy greens such as spinach contribute a significant amount, with an estimated four milligrams per two tablespoons. Additionally, sprouts and peppers are recognized for their silicon dioxide content.

In the fruit category, bananas stand out as a prominent source, providing around five milligrams per medium-sized banana.

Cereals, lentils, rice, and oats are also important dietary contributors of silicon dioxide. These grains, predominantly monocotyledons, including grasses and herbaceous plants, synthesize phytolithic silica. This form of silica is intricately linked with the polysaccharide and carbohydrate components of the plant cell wall, playing a critical role in the structural integrity of the plants.

From a nutritional standpoint, plant-based foods are a primary dietary source of silicon dioxide. In children, cereals constitute the main source of this mineral. Interestingly, in adult males, beer emerges as a principal source, attributable to its cereal grain content.

What are the health benefits of Silica? 

Silicon, often referred to as a 'beauty mineral', plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, particularly in supporting the structural integrity and health of hair, skin, and nails. It contributes to the production of orthosilicic acid, which may enhance nail strength by promoting collagen synthesis. Collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, is essential for maintaining the structural framework of these tissues.

In dermatological health, Silicon is posited to aid in preserving the skin's youthfulness by supporting its firmness and elasticity, potentially mitigating the development of fine lines and wrinkles. This is attributed to its involvement in collagen production, a key element in skin's structural composition.

Beyond its dermatological impacts, Silicon is integral to bone health. It plays a significant role in collagen synthesis and bone mineralization. Scientific literature indicates that various forms of Silicon, particularly insoluble ones like colloidal silicic acid, silica gel, and zeolites, can release significant quantities of bioavailable silicon. These forms have been observed to enhance water-soluble silica concentrations and exhibit specific physicochemical properties beneficial to structural health.

The contribution of Silicon to bone health is underscored in numerous studies. For instance, a study titled "Silicon and Bone Health" highlighted that silicon supplementation with monomethyl trisilanol led to increased bone volume and bone mineral density (BMD) in the femoral and lumbar spine regions, surpassing the efficacy of other treatments like Etidronate and sodium fluoride. Another study by Spector et al. observed that choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) showed a trend towards increased bone formation markers in serum, notably pro-collagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), a marker of type I collagen synthesis. A significant increase in femoral BMD was noted at mid-ch-OSA doses.

Furthermore, Silicon's role in normal bone formation is evidenced by its ability to enhance bone mineral density. Animal studies have also demonstrated Silicon's efficacy in promoting bone formation.

What is silicon dioxide derived from? 

Silicon Dioxide, a compound of significant geological and industrial importance, is derived from various natural and synthetic sources. Naturally, it exists as a white or colorless crystalline compound, predominantly found in quartz, sand, flint, and other minerals. The formation of Silicon Dioxide in nature primarily occurs through oxidation reactions involving silicon in the Earth's crust. This process leads to the creation of several natural sources of Silicon Dioxide, including quartz, which is particularly valued for its minimal impurity content.

Additionally, Silicon Dioxide is a key constituent in diatomaceous earth, a sedimentary deposit composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are rich in silica.

Recent advancements have enabled the synthesis of Silicon Dioxide from agricultural waste, specifically from the by-products of corn, such as husks, cobs, and stalks. Through a process involving leaching with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and subsequent heating in an air furnace, high-purity Silicon Dioxide with varying particle sizes can be obtained. This method represents an innovative approach to Silicon Dioxide production, offering an environmentally sustainable option by utilizing agricultural waste.

In the context of glass production, while typical glass is primarily composed of silica (Silicon Dioxide), it also contains calcium and sodium oxides. These oxides are challenging to eliminate completely from the glass matrix. A method to extract pure silica from glass involves dissolving the glass in molten sodium hydroxide, followed by a cooling process. The term "glass" generally refers to materials predominantly made of Silicon Dioxide, with additional compounds that define the specific properties and applications of the glass variant.

For detailed scientific information on the sources and derivation of Silicon Dioxide, resources from geological and material science research provide extensive insights into both natural occurrences and synthetic production methods. 

What is silicon dioxide found in? 

Silicon dioxide, a naturally abundant compound, permeates a wide array of natural and industrial contexts. In the natural world, it is a fundamental component of water, flora, and fauna. The beaches we enjoy are largely comprised of silica, and it forms the structural basis of most terrestrial rocks. Silicon dioxide is also prevalent in a variety of plants, many of which are integral to the human diet. These include nutrient-rich dark leafy greens, whole grains such as oats and brown rice, various vegetables, and alfalfa.

From a structural standpoint, Silicon dioxide exists in both amorphous and crystalline forms. It is characteristically found in a poly tetrahedral structure, where the oxygen atoms of one SiO2 molecule are covalently bonded to the silicon atom of an adjacent SiO2 molecule. This unique molecular configuration contributes to its diverse applications.

Industrially, Silicon dioxide is a cornerstone in several sectors. It is instrumental in glass production, optical fiber production for cables, ceramic manufacturing, and in the realm of food processing and packaging. While natural sources of Silicon dioxide are abundant, many industrial applications necessitate the use of synthetically produced Silicon dioxide to meet specific quality and performance standards.

In the food industry, Silicon dioxide's moisture-protective properties are harnessed to enhance the functionality of food products. It plays a vital role in improving manufacturing processes, ensuring product stability, and extending shelf life. This utilization underscores its importance in maintaining the quality and safety of food products.

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References

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8. NO More Heart Disease, How Nitric Oxide Can Prevent--Even Reverse--Heart Disease and Strokes by Louis Ignarro and St. Martin's Press
9. EpiGenetics: The Death of the Genetic Theory of Disease Transmission by Joel Wallach, Page 666
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