Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceJoints & skin

Bamboo Silica

Bamboo extract standardized to silica, sold for hair, nails and skin. The one decent human trial used choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid, a different and highly bioavailable form — silica from bamboo is largely insoluble and its absorption in people has not been demonstrated.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Hair and nail brittleness Limited evidence

    In a 20-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 50 women with photodamaged skin, 10 mg silicon/day as choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid lowered self-rated hair and nail brittleness and improved skin roughness measures. One small trial, self-reported outcomes, and a different silicon form from the one in bamboo capsules.

  • Bone health Limited evidence

    An umbrella review of silicon supplementation and bone found that the supportive literature is almost entirely animal work, with effective intakes around 139 mg Si/kg body weight per day, an amount the authors called unfeasible to reach in humans. No human bone outcome has been established.

  • Bamboo as the source Limited evidence

    No published human study has tested bamboo-derived silica specifically for hair, nails or skin. Bamboo silica is mostly poorly soluble silicon dioxide, and bioavailability data comparable to orthosilicic acid preparations is absent.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseBamboo extract capsules typically supply 300–600 mg of extract standardized to about 70% silica, roughly 20–40 mg of silicon; the trial preparation supplied 10 mg/day of silicon as choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid. There is no established requirement for silicon.
SafetyOral silica from food and supplements is generally well tolerated and poorly absorbed; unabsorbed silicon passes through. People with kidney impairment should be cautious, since absorbed silicon is cleared renally. Not enough data in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Sudden hair loss or nail changes can signal thyroid disease, iron deficiency or other conditions and deserve a medical check rather than a supplement.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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