Bioavailability of a novel form of silicon supplement

Abstract

In this study, we assessed uptake and potential efficacy of a novel, pH neutral form of silicon supplement in vitro and using broiler chickens as a model species. In vitro bioavailability of this supplement was significantly higher than other commercial supplements tested, all of which claim available silica content. To confirm bioavailability of the new supplement in vivo, a broiler chick feeding trial reported blood uptake that was significantly higher than a Bamboo-derived silicon supplement. We assessed dose response of the novel supplement in a further study with increased dose related levels of silicon being detected in the blood and tibia. We found tibia and foot ash residue as a percentage of dry mass was higher with inclusion of the novel supplement in the diet, particularly in young birds and that this was followed by significant increase in tibia breaking strength. This novel supplement may therefore have applications in the improvement of bone integrity, with implications for the reduction of lameness in broilers. These results indicate the novel silica supplement is readily absorbed in chicks, and transported in the blood supply to sites such as the skeleton due to it being present in a non-condensed, monomeric form. There is potential for wider application of this silica supplement in other species where bone breakages are a problem, including high performance sport.

Silicon supplementation affects mineral metabolism but not bone density or strength in male broilers

“…Fracture force at breaking was similar across treatments, mirroring previous findings in turkeys and rats [45], as well as water silicon supplementation to broilers [27]. However, these findings contradicted other studies showing greater breaking strength in silicon-supplemented animals [26,28,57]. This disparity was likely due to differences between four-point and threepoint bending in bone mechanical testing [58] as three-point bending generates high shear stress and four-point bending ensures almost no shear stress where loading is applied [36].…”

“…Other studies used much higher rates of supplementation. In the study by Scholey et al [26], bone strength was improved in birds supplemented approximately 45 mg silicon/kg BW, and tibia ash was increased in birds receiving a minimum 7.7 mg silicon/kg BW. Nakhon et al [28] showed increased tibia breaking strength in birds supplemented 12.7 mg silicon/kg BW but not in birds supplemented 17.8 mg silicon/kg BW.…”

“…This range is below the highest level of supplementation in the current study and well below levels demonstrating positive influences on bone through changes in BMD or strength. To reach even the minimum concentration of silicon which showed an increase in tibia ash [26], adults would need to consume between 444 and 621 mg Si/d. The differences between fed amounts in experiments and recommended intakes in humans demonstrate the need for better standardization in the literature and potentially a reevaluation of current recommendations.…”

“…Silicon intake in humans has been linked to greater BMD [22][23][24] and, in other species, silicon can increase bone formation markers such as osteocalcin [23] and reduce bone resorption markers [22], including pyridinoline [25]. In broilers, the inclusion of high levels of supplementary silicon has improved tibial ash content and breaking strength [26,27]. Since silicon stimulates collagen synthesis, it may also impact meat quality, but feeding rice hulls, high in silicon, at levels up to 7.5 mg/kg feed did not increase thawing losses or shear force on thigh or breast meat in broilers [28].…”

Place of Polymethylsiloxane Polyhydrate in the Treatment of Gastroenterological Diseases

“…Следует отметить, что классические кишечные адсорбенты на основе угля и глины имеют противопоказания к применению при эрозивно-язвенных поражениях ЖКТ. Кроме того, при пероральном использовании соединений кремния не исключено его накопление в органах и тканях [14]. В то же время ПМСПГ не обладает такими побочными эффектами, что позволяет применять его при заболеваниях ЖКТ, в том числе сопровождающихся эрозивно-язвенными поражениями слизистой оболочки [15].…”