Herb & supplement monograph

Silicon Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Silicon interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Silicon is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Silicon is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Silicon

0 medications have a known interaction with Silicon, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Silicon. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Silicon combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Silicon: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Silicon is a trace mineral found in the body and in foods like oats, barley, and certain fruits and vegetables, and it is popular in supplements for hair, skin, nail, and bone health. Some small studies suggest possible benefits for skin and bone, but the overall evidence is limited and not strong. For most healthy people a balanced diet supplies enough silicon, so talk with a pharmacist or doctor before taking a supplement.

Silicon
Part used
Silicon is a mineral element, not a plant part; supplements use silica, silicic acid, or stabilized orthosilicic acid
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, liquid drops (orthosilicic acid), powders; also found in horsetail and bamboo extracts and as silicon dioxide
People commonly use it for
  • Hair, skin, and nail health
  • Bone health and osteoporosis
  • Joint and connective tissue support
  • General 'beauty from within' support

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally well tolerated from food and most supplements, but high-dose or long-term safety is not well studied.

PregnancyLikely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. It is estimated that the average dietary intake of silicon is 20-50 mg daily. There is insufficie...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. It is estimated that the average dietary intake of silicon is 20-50 mg daily. There is insufficie...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Silicon is a natural element (atomic number 14) and one of the most common elements on Earth. In the body it is found in small amounts, especially in skin, hair, nails, bones, and other connective tissues, where it is considered a trace mineral.

We normally get silicon from the foods we eat. Good dietary sources include oats, barley, rice, whole grains, and some fruits and vegetables. Drinking water and certain beers also contain silicon.

As a supplement, silicon is sold in several forms, such as silica (a compound of silicon and oxygen), silicic acid (also called orthosilicic acid), and choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA). People most often take it hoping to improve the look and strength of their hair, skin, and nails, and sometimes for bone health.

How it works

Silicon is thought to play a role in forming and maintaining connective tissue. It may help with the production and stability of collagen and other building blocks found in skin, hair, nails, cartilage, and bone.

For bone, researchers think silicon may help with how the body uses minerals like calcium and may support the cells that build bone. For skin and hair, the idea is that silicon supports collagen and structural proteins.

It is important to know that much of this is based on laboratory and animal research, and the exact way silicon works in people is not fully understood. The body absorbs orthosilicic acid more easily than some other forms, which is one reason stabilized forms are popular in supplements.

Effectiveness

Does Silicon work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 6 uses evaluated
1 Possibly effective 5 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Possibly Effective Osteoporosis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Higher dietary intakes of silicon in males and premenopausal females seem to be associated with higher bone mineral density (BMD), but it is unclear whether silicon supplements reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Also studied for 5 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Aging skin
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral silicon is beneficial in patients with aging skin.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Alzheimer disease
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral silicon for Alzheimer disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of silicon for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Androgenic alopecia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral silicon for androgenic alopecia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of silicon for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral silicon for CVD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of silicon for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dental peri-implantitis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral silicon is beneficial in patients with peri-implantitis.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Silicon from food is considered safe and is a normal part of a healthy diet. Supplements taken at typical doses are generally well tolerated by most healthy adults, but the long-term safety of higher doses has not been well studied.

People with kidney problems should be especially careful, since the kidneys clear silicon from the body, and damaged kidneys may not handle it well. Anyone with a chronic health condition should check with a doctor or pharmacist first.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is not enough reliable information to know if silicon supplements are safe. Because of this uncertainty, it is best to avoid silicon supplements during these times and rely on a normal balanced diet instead.

Note that breathing in silica dust (an industrial exposure) is harmful to the lungs, but this is very different from taking silicon supplements by mouth.

Side effects

When taken by mouth at usual amounts, silicon supplements are generally well tolerated. Some people may notice mild digestive upset, such as bloating or stomach discomfort.

Serious side effects from oral silicon supplements are not commonly reported, but high-quality long-term safety data are limited. If you notice any unusual symptoms after starting a supplement, stop taking it and talk with your pharmacist or doctor.

Silicon: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Silicon from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, silicon in the amounts found in food and water is not associated with adverse effects.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Inhaled: Crystalline silicon dioxide in the form of quartz dust found in industrial and occupational settings is associated with an increased risk of diseases such as silicosis, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Reports by condition
Acute bronchitis Pulmonary/Respiratory

Occupational exposure to crystalline silicon dioxide dust is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary diseases such as silicosis, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Patients with occupational pulmonary silicosis may develop microscopic polyangiitis (inflammation of the blood vessels in the nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and kidneys, also known as Wegener's granulomatosis). Meta-analyses suggest that occupational exposure to silicon dioxide increases the risk of lung cancer. An analysis of 19 studies shows that lung cancer risk is approximately 2 times higher for those with silicosis. It is not clear whether silicon dioxide is carcinogenic in the absence of silicosis.

  1. Merget, R., Bauer, T., Kupper, H. U., Philippou, S., Bauer, H. D., Breitstadt, R., and Bruening, T. Health hazards due to the inhalation of amorphous silica. Arch Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):625-634.
  2. McLaughlin, J. K., Chow, W. H., and Levy, L. S. Amorphous silica: a review of health effects from inhalation exposure with particular reference to cancer. J Toxicol.Environ Health 4-25-1997;50(6):553-566.
  3. Gillissen, A., Gessner, C., Hammerschmidt, S., Hoheisel, G., and Wirtz, H. [Health significance of inhaled particles]. Dtsch.Med Wochenschr. 3-24-2006;131(12):639-644.
  4. Tervaert, J. W., Stegeman, C. A., and Kallenberg, C. G. Silicon exposure and vasculitis. Curr Opin.Rheumatol 1998;10(1):12-17.
  5. Hu, J. F., Qu, H., and Wang, J. Z. [Meta analysis for relationship between exposure of free silicon dioxide and lung tumor]. Zhonghua Lao.Dong.Wei Sheng Zhi.Ye.Bing.Za Zhi. 2006;24(7):415-417.
  6. Lacasse, Y., Martin, S., Gagne, D., and Lakhal, L. Dose-response meta-analysis of silica and lung cancer. Cancer Causes Control 2009;20(6):925-933.
  7. Steenland, K. and Stayner, L. Silica, asbestos, man-made mineral fibers, and cancer. Cancer Causes Control 1997;8(3):491-503.
  8. Pelucchi, C., Pira, E., Piolatto, G., Coggiola, M., Carta, P., and La, Vecchia C. Occupational silica exposure and lung cancer risk: a review of epidemiological studies 1996-2005. Ann.Oncol. 2006;17(7):1039-1050.
Cirrhosis Hepatic

High silicon levels in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis have been associated with liver disease.

  1. Jugdaohsingh, R. Silicon and bone health. J Nutr Health Aging 2007;11(2):99-110.
Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) Genitourinary

Limited reports in humans indicate that long-term use of large amounts of antacids containing magnesium trisilicate may be associated with urolithiasis and silicon-containing stones. However, fewer than 30 cases associated with antacids containing silicates have been reported, despite these products being commercially available since the 1930s. Although exceptionally rare, silicon dioxide kidney stones can also occur without magnesium trisilicate ingestion. Their formation is caused by an acidic urinary pH. In at least one case, urine alkalinization resulted in resolution of the symptoms.

Case-control studies have shown that occupational exposure to silicon dioxide is related to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis. High silicon levels in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis have been associated with nephropathy.

  1. Levison DA, Crocker PR, Banim S, Wallace DM. Silica stones in the urinary bladder. Lancet 1982;1:704-5.
  2. Lee MH, Lee YH, Hsu TH, et al. Silica stone--development due to long time oral trisilicate intake. Scand J Urol Nephrol 1993;27:267-9.
  3. Cruz Guerra, N. A., Gomez Garcia, M. A., Lovaco, Castellano F., Saez Garrido, J. C., Garcia, Cuerpo E., and Escudero, Barrilero A. [Silica urolithiasis: report of a new case]. Actas Urol.Esp 2000;24(2):202-204.
  4. Haddad, F. S. and Kouyoumdjian, A. Silica stones in humans. Urol.Int 1986;41(1):70-76.
  5. Ichiyanagi O, Sasagawa I, Adachi Y, et al. Silica urolithiasis without magnesium trisilicate intake. Urol Int 1998;61:39-42.
  6. Tervaert, J. W., Stegeman, C. A., and Kallenberg, C. G. Silicon exposure and vasculitis. Curr Opin.Rheumatol 1998;10(1):12-17.
  7. Jugdaohsingh, R. Silicon and bone health. J Nutr Health Aging 2007;11(2):99-110.
Neuropathic pain Neurologic/CNS

High silicon levels in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis have been associated with neuropathy.

  1. Jugdaohsingh, R. Silicon and bone health. J Nutr Health Aging 2007;11(2):99-110.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Musculoskeletal

High silicon levels in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis have been associated with bone disease. A meta-analysis suggests that the risk of rheumatoid arthritis is elevated with occupational exposure to silicon dioxide.

  1. Jugdaohsingh, R. Silicon and bone health. J Nutr Health Aging 2007;11(2):99-110.
  2. Khuder, S. A., Peshimam, A. Z., and Agraharam, S. Environmental risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis. Rev Environ Health 2002;17(4):307-315.
Scleroderma Dermatologic

Occupational silica exposure may be a risk factor for scleroderma, particularly in males.

  1. McCormic, Z. D., Khuder, S. S., Aryal, B. K., Ames, A. L., and Khuder, S. A. Occupational silica exposure as a risk factor for scleroderma: a meta-analysis. Int Arch Occup.Environ Health 2010;83(7):763-769.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no official recommended dose for silicon as a supplement, and an established upper limit has not been clearly set. Doses used in studies have varied widely depending on the form (such as silica, silicic acid, or choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid).

Because there is no standard dose, the best advice is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed them. Talk with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you have a health condition or take other medicines, so they can help you decide whether a supplement is appropriate for you.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Silicon & Pregnancy

Likely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. It is estimated that the average dietary intake of silicon is 20-50 mg daily. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of silicon when used in larger, medicinal amounts; avoid using.

  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  2. Jugdaohsingh R, Anderson SH, Tucker KL, et al. Dietary silicon intake and absorption. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;75:887-93.
  3. Boqué N, Valls RM, Pedret A, Puiggrós F, Arola L, Solà R. Relative absorption of silicon from different formulations of dietary supplements: a pilot randomized, double-blind, crossover post-prandial study. Sci Rep 2021;11(1):16479.

Silicon & Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. It is estimated that the average dietary intake of silicon is 20-50 mg daily. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of silicon when used in larger, medicinal amounts; avoid using.

  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  2. Jugdaohsingh R, Anderson SH, Tucker KL, et al. Dietary silicon intake and absorption. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;75:887-93.
  3. Boqué N, Valls RM, Pedret A, Puiggrós F, Arola L, Solà R. Relative absorption of silicon from different formulations of dietary supplements: a pilot randomized, double-blind, crossover post-prandial study. Sci Rep 2021;11(1):16479.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 19 references that drive our Silicon monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  2. Jugdaohsingh R, Anderson SH, Tucker KL, et al. Dietary silicon intake and absorption. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;75:887-93. PubMed
  3. Ichiyanagi O, Sasagawa I, Adachi Y, et al. Silica urolithiasis without magnesium trisilicate intake. Urol Int 1998;61:39-42. PubMed
  4. Levison DA, Crocker PR, Banim S, Wallace DM. Silica stones in the urinary bladder. Lancet 1982;1:704-5. PubMed
  5. Lee MH, Lee YH, Hsu TH, et al. Silica stone--development due to long time oral trisilicate intake. Scand J Urol Nephrol 1993;27:267-9. PubMed
  6. Cruz Guerra, N. A., Gomez Garcia, M. A., Lovaco, Castellano F., Saez Garrido, J. C., Garcia, Cuerpo E., and Escudero, Barrilero A. [Silica urolithiasis: report of a new case]. Actas Urol.Esp 2000;24(2):202-204.
  7. Merget, R., Bauer, T., Kupper, H. U., Philippou, S., Bauer, H. D., Breitstadt, R., and Bruening, T. Health hazards due to the inhalation of amorphous silica. Arch Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):625-634. PubMed
  8. Khuder, S. A., Peshimam, A. Z., and Agraharam, S. Environmental risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis. Rev Environ Health 2002;17(4):307-315. PubMed
  9. McLaughlin, J. K., Chow, W. H., and Levy, L. S. Amorphous silica: a review of health effects from inhalation exposure with particular reference to cancer. J Toxicol.Environ Health 4-25-1997;50(6):553-566. DOI
  10. Pelucchi, C., Pira, E., Piolatto, G., Coggiola, M., Carta, P., and La, Vecchia C. Occupational silica exposure and lung cancer risk: a review of epidemiological studies 1996-2005. Ann.Oncol. 2006;17(7):1039-1050. PubMed
  11. Gillissen, A., Gessner, C., Hammerschmidt, S., Hoheisel, G., and Wirtz, H. [Health significance of inhaled particles]. Dtsch.Med Wochenschr. 3-24-2006;131(12):639-644.
  12. Hu, J. F., Qu, H., and Wang, J. Z. [Meta analysis for relationship between exposure of free silicon dioxide and lung tumor]. Zhonghua Lao.Dong.Wei Sheng Zhi.Ye.Bing.Za Zhi. 2006;24(7):415-417.
  13. Jugdaohsingh, R. Silicon and bone health. J Nutr Health Aging 2007;11(2):99-110.
  14. Lacasse, Y., Martin, S., Gagne, D., and Lakhal, L. Dose-response meta-analysis of silica and lung cancer. Cancer Causes Control 2009;20(6):925-933. PubMed
  15. McCormic, Z. D., Khuder, S. S., Aryal, B. K., Ames, A. L., and Khuder, S. A. Occupational silica exposure as a risk factor for scleroderma: a meta-analysis. Int Arch Occup.Environ Health 2010;83(7):763-769. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Silicon

3,166 brands in our database make a supplement containing Silicon.

Product directory

Supplement products with Silicon

70,265 products in our database contain Silicon. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

5 Strain Acidophilus by Thompson Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-Day Acai Berry Cleanse by Applied Nutrition Tablet Or Pill 20 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP by CHK Nutrition Capsule 120 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP by Ortho Molecular Products Capsule 90 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP by Natrol Tablet Or Pill 60 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP by Nature's Way Tablet Or Pill 60 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP by Nature's Way Tablet Or Pill 30 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP by Woodstock Vitamins Tablet Or Pill 60 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP by Nature's Way Tablet Or Pill 30 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP by DC Capsule View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP by DC Capsule 30 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP by DC Capsule 30 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP by DC Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP by DC Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP by DC Capsule 120 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) 200 mg by Protocol For Life Balance Capsule 60 Veg Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP (Griffonia Simplicifolia Extract) 100 mg by Windmill Capsule 50 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP 100 by Wonder Laboratories Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP 100 by Wonder Laboratories Capsule 120 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP 100 by Wonder Laboratories Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP 100 by DC Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP 100 by DC Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP 100 by Wonder Laboratories Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP 100 mg by SimplySupplements Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Silicon: Common Questions

What is Silicon used for, and does it work?
People use Silicon for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Silicon for Osteoporosis. For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Silicon interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Silicon. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Silicon interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Silicon with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Silicon interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Silicon used for?
People most often take Silicon supplements hoping to improve hair, skin, and nail health, and sometimes for bone or joint support. The evidence for these uses is limited and not proven, though some small studies are encouraging.
Do I need a Silicon supplement?
Most healthy people get enough Silicon from a normal diet that includes whole grains, oats, and certain fruits and vegetables. A supplement is usually not necessary unless a doctor or pharmacist advises one.
Is Silicon safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There is not enough reliable safety information, so Silicon supplements are best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Getting Silicon naturally from a balanced diet is fine.
Are Silicon supplements the same as the silica dust that harms the lungs?
No. Breathing in industrial silica dust can damage the lungs, but that is completely different from taking Silicon supplements by mouth, which are generally well tolerated at usual amounts.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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