Silicon: Food

Foods of plant origin are particularly rich in silicon. Foods of animal origin, on the other hand, have low amounts of the trace element. In particular, high levels of silicon – but with poor bioavailability – are found in fiber-containing cereals, such as barley and oats. Beer is also rich in silicon (30-60 mg/l), which is also present in a readily usable form.

Silicon occurs in foods as monosilicic acid or solid silicate.

Silicon content of selected foods
Food Silicon content (mg/kg dry weight)
Egg 30
Cow’s milk 30
Peanut 50
Potato 60
Millet > 400 mg
Oats > 400 mg
Beverages Silicon content (mg/l)
Mineral water 0,4 – 96
Wine 30 – 45
Beer 30 – 60

Bibliography

  1. Biesalski HK, Köhrle J, Schümann K: Vitamins, trace elements and minerals. 237. Georg Thieme Verlag; Stuttgart/New York 2002.
  2. Hahn A: Food supplements. 185. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH Stuttgart 2001.