About Bio-MSM & Silica
MSM is a naturally occurring organic sulphur-containing substance, which is found in grain products, legumes, eggs and red meat. Sulphur is an important component of many of the proteins that make up the human body. Vegetable Silica is an extract of the herb horsetail grass, it is a natural source of the essential trace mineral silicon. Silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth, and the third most abundant trace element in the human body.
Why do we need to supplement?
Maintaining healthy looking skin and hair can feel like a fight against the clock. As we age, our skin loses nutrients and our connective tissue loses strength and elasticity, causing our skin to wrinkle and our nails to become brittle. Bio-MSM+Silica is a formulation designed to put back key nutrients that time takes away.
How does it work in the body?
Bio-Silica + MSM provides the compounds sulphur and silicon, needed for the formation of collagen in connective tissue (cartilage, tendons,ligaments) and for healthy skin, hair and nails. The compounds are also both required by the body for normal growth and development.
Bio-Silica + MSM contains methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a source of organic sulphur that’s well absorbed by the body and is essential for cellular processes (including the production of many amino acids).
Silicon is a mineral commonly found in nature as inorganic quartz which the body can’t absorb. MSM + Silica provides horsetail (equisetum arvense), a rich source of organically bound silicon which the body can easily absorb. Silica is found in our bones, teeth, connective tissue, blood vessels, skin, hair, and nails but our levels decline as we age.
Benefits in Research
MSM has been researched for its range of potential benefits to skin, hair and nails. MSM provides sulphur which contributes to the amino acid cysteine, which is present in high levels in keratin, the main structural protein of hair skin and nails.
MSM may also act as an anti-inflammatory which can reduce the effects of inflammation on the skin1. Skin inflammation can contribute to skin cell damage and signs of premature ageing. This benefit may also extend to inflammatory skin conditions, including rosacea with trials showing that MSM reduces inflammation and associated symptoms, such as itching and redness 2.
Silica - Studies suggest that silicon is important for optimal collagen synthesis, a protein found in the joints and skin that helps provide structure 3. A lack of collagen in the skin is considered the major mechanism for the development of fine line and wrinkles. Silica supplements may also support the activation of hydroxylating enzymes which in turn can contribute to improves skin strength and elasticity.
In research, silica demonstrates the ability to protect cells from light-induced damage potentially due to its antioxidant properties 4.
In one trial, women with photo-damaged skin (such as sunburn) noticed a decrease in symptoms and an improvement in skin condition after supplementation with silica 5.
References
1.Schagen S, Zampeli V, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis C. Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012;4(3):298-307.
2.Berardesca E, Cameli N, Cavallotti C, Levy J, Piérard G, de Paoli Ambrosi G. Combined effects of silymarin and methylsulfonylmethane in the management of rosacea: clinical and instrumental evaluation. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2008;7(1):8-14.
3.Araújo L, Addor F, Campos P. Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2016;91(3):331-335.
4.Stephanson C, Stephanson A, Flanagan G. Antioxidant Capability and Efficacy of Mega-H™ Silica Hydride, an Antioxidant Dietary Supplement, by In Vitro Cellular Analysis Using Photosensitization and Fluorescence Detection. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2002;5(1):9-16.
5.Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on skin, nails, and hair in women with photodamaged facial skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2005;52(3):P28.
