Silicon (as Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid)

Silicon as Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid (ch-OSA) is a bioactive trace mineral compound, not a macronutrient source. It contains no calories, fat, protein, or carbohydrates. The active mineral component is silicon (Si), delivered in orthosilicic acid form [Si(OH)4] stabilized with choline bitartrate. Typical supplemental doses provide 5–10 mg elemental silicon per serving, paired with approximately 100–200 mg choline bitartrate as the stabilizing agent. Silicon itself is a non-essential but biologically active trace element found naturally in the human body at concentrations of approximately 1–2 g total body silicon. The ch-OSA form is highly bioavailable, with studies demonstrating approximately 64% absorption efficiency compared to less than 1–4% from food-derived silicon sources such as silica (SiO2). Orthosilicic acid is the only form of silicon directly bioavailable to human cells without further metabolic conversion. Choline content from the stabilizer contributes minimally to daily choline needs (adequate intake: 425–550 mg/day for adults). No significant vitamin content is present. The compound acts primarily as a cofactor in connective tissue biosynthesis, activating prolyl hydroxylase enzymes involved in collagen cross-linking, and stimulating glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts.