Selenium

Selenium is classified as a metalloid and is bright and shiny in appearance. In the body it usually occurs in the amino acid analog called selenomethionine, a potent antioxidant.

Selenium is an essential mineral for your health, though you may only need a small amount. Selenium is an important component of glutathione-peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme. It regulates thyroid function and in the hair matrix helps to make a strong hair fibre, with low levels being linked to hair loss. It also plays a vital role in regulating immune function.

Atomic number 34

Atomic mass 78.9

Selenium can be found in: brazil nuts, halibut, oysters, sunflower seeds, shiitake mushrooms, eggs, pork and chicken.

Benefits:

1. Protects your cells from oxidative stress.
2. Boosts your immune system.
3. Supports healthy hair.

Did you know…

The name selenium comes from the Greek word selene which means moon and selene is also the Greek goddess of the moon.

Selenium is used in solar cells and photoconductors.

EFSA claims

1. Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
2. Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
3. Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
4. Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
5. Selenium contributes to the normal thyroid function.
6. Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis.

Silicon / Silica

Silica (SiO2), also known as silicon dioxide, is the major constituent of sand. Silica is being a compound of two of the most common elements in the earth's crust: silicon and oxygen. Silicon is a semiconductor that is pivotal to the development of microprocessors and the digital technologies that we rely on.

Silica also plays some important biological roles in the body. It is present at low levels in connective tissue where it seems to contribute to stability of structures, in particular for bone and joint metabolism. Specifically, silicon is required to cross-link collagen and is important for mineralization of bone. Silicon also bonds with elastin, keratin and proteoglycans and thus contributes to the formation and resilience of the extracellular matrix.

Mean daily intakes are estimated at 20–50 mg per day. As we age, silicon intakes and absorption becomes less efficient and thus we need to increasingly look to supplementation to meet our daily needs.

Atomic number 14

Atomic mass 28.08

Silica is found in cucumber, artichokes, bananas, asparagus and green beans

100 g banana contains 5.5 mg silica

Benefits:

1. Contributes to strength of connective tissues.
2. Supports strong hair.
3. Contributes to healthy skin.

Did you know…

Silicon gels are used to accelerate wound healing as they provide a soft protective layer that regulates moisture content and prevents microbial infection while allowing the skin to repair.