Given silicon's chemical association with GAGs, it seems that the combination of glucosamine and silicon may be effective in promoting joint and connective tissue health. Silicon deficiency caused both skull and long bone abnormalities in chicks and rats. This research also established that low serum concentrations of silicon were associated with lower serum calcium concentrations. Silicon is essential for the strength and integrity of the tunica intima, the inner lining of arterial tissue. Cardiovascular health requires silicon for the generation of elastin, the tissue comprising the inner lining of arteries and capillaries.
Diseased arteries are severely deficient in silicon.
The predominant minerals in nails are calcium, silicon and sulfur. A sign that silicon may be systemically deficient is nails that are brittle or soft. Silicon is crucial for activating the hydroxylation enzymes for cross-linking collagen, which improves the strength and elasticity of this fibrous protein. Silicon helps hair grow thicker and stronger. Hair with higher silicon content can stay in better, fall out less, and has more shine and luster.