Organic silicon: how to choose the right form for your needs

Article written by Marie Gautier, registered dietitian – 16 years of expertise | Last updated: July 2026

Introduction: What if this forgotten mineral were the key to your vitality?

You may have heard of organic silicon from a friend, a naturopath, or while flipping through a health magazine. And you might have thought, "just another trendy supplement." I understand this skepticism; in my practice, I see many products that promise a lot but deliver very little.

But silicon is different. Not because it is new—it has been used for decades in natural medicine. Not because it makes sensational promises. But because it is one of the few trace elements for which the mechanisms of action are clearly identified, and for which field reports, over the years, are remarkably consistent.

The real problem? There are many forms of silicon on the market: plant-based silica, organic silicon, colloidal silica, gel, drinkable, horsetail, nettle, G5… And many people buy just anything without understanding the differences. Result: they don't see the expected effects and conclude that "it doesn't work."

Assess your situation. Check what applies to you:

• ☐ You have joint pain or stiffness, especially when waking up in the morning
• ☐ Your nails are brittle, ridged, or break easily
• ☐ Your hair is falling out more than before or seems dull and lacks volume
• ☐ Your skin lacks tone, firmness, or radiance
• ☐ You feel a sense of overall demineralization (brittle bones, cramps)
• ☐ You are over 40 and wish to preserve your joint health
• ☐ You recover less well after physical exertion than you used to

If you checked 2 or more boxes, silicon truly deserves your attention.

Because from the age of 35, our "silicon capital" decreases continuously and irreversibly. Yet this mineral is present in all the body's connective tissues: bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin, hair, nails, and blood vessels. Without sufficient intake, all this supporting tissue gradually weakens.

In this article, I will explain in detail what silicon is, why not all forms are equal, and most importantly, how to choose the one that matches your specific situation from the 5 products we offer at Pleine Forme.

What is organic silicon and why is it essential for the body?

Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, after oxygen. In the human body, it is the third most present essential trace element, after zinc and iron. And yet, it is one of the least known.

Its role in the body is fundamental: it is the "structural cement" of all connective tissues.

The 5 key roles of silicon in the body

1. Collagen synthesis: silicon is essential for the formation of collagen fibers, the protein that gives strength to tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, and bones. Without sufficient silicon, collagen synthesis slows down

2. Elastin synthesis: it maintains elastin fibers that give flexibility and elasticity to tissues. The loss of these fibers with age results in wrinkles, sagging skin, and stiffening joints

3. Bone mineralization: silicon enhances the action of calcium and magnesium in bone densification. It is essential for skeletal formation, growth, and the maintenance of bone mass

4. Vascular protection: it maintains the elasticity of arterial and venous walls, preventing their rigidification with age

5. Mineral synergy: it enhances the action of zinc, copper, and iron in over 250 biochemical reactions in the body

Why do we lack silicon with age?

From birth, the body possesses a stock of silicon that decreases continuously and irreversibly over time. At age 35, more than 80% of initial reserves are already depleted according to data from Vitasil. This phenomenon accelerates with:

• Natural tissue aging
• Impoverished nutrition (depleted soils, ultra-processed foods)
• Chronic oxidative stress
• Low-grade inflammation
• A sedentary lifestyle

Organic silicon vs. mineral silica vs. colloidal silica: what's the difference?

This is where most people get lost. Here is the essential comparison table:

Form	Source	Bioavailability	Risks	Use
Organic silicon (monomer)	Synthesis or plant	Up to 70%	Minimal	Drinkable or gel
Plant-based silica (horsetail, nettle)	Plants	Good (bound to plant proteins)	Very low	Drinkable
Colloidal silica	Mineral (salts)	Low (< 15%)	Risk of renal sedimentation	Avoid long-term use
Silicon dioxide	Mineral	Very low	Not assimilable as such	Excipient only

Remember: only silicon bound to carbon, known as organic silicon, is truly assimilable by the human body. Colloidal or mineral silica, in the form of silicon salts, has a much lower bioavailability and poses risks of renal deposits with prolonged use.

Foods that naturally provide silicon

Diet remains the primary source of silicon, although it is generally not enough to compensate for an established deficit.

The plants richest in assimilable silica

Food	Silica content	Form
Field horsetail	Very high (5–8% dry weight)	Plant-based organic silica
Stinging nettle	High (1–4%)	Plant-based organic silica
Bamboo (shoots)	High	Plant-based organic silica
Oats (bran, flakes)	Good	Silica bound to fiber
Millet	Good	Assimilable silica
Brown rice	Average	Silica in the husk
Cucumber (with skin)	Average	Hydrated silica
Green banana	Low to average	Silica and resistant starch

The golden rule for maximizing dietary intake

Plant-based silica is concentrated in cereal husks and in certain wild plants. That is why:

• Prefer whole grains over refined grains (the husk, removed during refining, concentrates the silica)
• Consume oats raw or in overnight flakes, as prolonged cooking partially degrades the silica
• Eat cucumber and zucchini with the skin
• Millet is one of the cereals richest in assimilable silica; consider millet cakes or porridges

Foods that disrupt silicon absorption

• Alcohol: reduces intestinal absorption of minerals in general
• Ultra-processed foods: low in silica, high in phosphates which disrupt mineralization
• Excess calcium alone: can compete with silicon in absorption pathways; consider balancing calcium and magnesium/silicon

Consumption habits that optimize the effect of silicon

Take silicon on an empty stomach, away from meals

Whether it is liquid plant-based silica or drinkable organic silicon, taking it on an empty stomach—30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after—maximizes absorption. Silicon in aqueous solution competes with other dietary minerals if you take it during meals.

Avoid contact with metal and glass

This is a frequently overlooked but important precaution, especially for G5 organic silicon. Silicon reacts with certain metals and with glass; always use the plastic measuring cap provided with the bottles. Never pour into a metallic or glass container for your dose.

Respect treatment cycles and breaks

Silicon is not a supplement to be taken continuously indefinitely. The body needs periods of assimilation and integration. For G5 in particular, 3- to 4-week courses with breaks, repeated 2 to 3 times a year, are often more effective than continuous intake over 12 months.

Combine silicon and vitamin C

Vitamin C is a cofactor for collagen synthesis, just like silicon. They act in synergy. A glass of fresh lemon juice or vitamin C supplementation in the morning before your silicon optimizes the restorative effect on connective tissues.

Stay sufficiently hydrated

Silicon is a hydrophilic mineral; it needs water to circulate and distribute throughout the body. Aim for 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day during your course. Good hydration is also a factor in renal protection, especially if you are using concentrated forms.

Lifestyle habits that amplify the effects of silicon

Physical exercise: activate collagen synthesis

Regular movement stimulates chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and fibroblasts (collagen and elastin-producing cells)—the exact cells that silicon nourishes. A sedentary lifestyle, on the contrary, accelerates cartilage degradation and reduces connective tissue synthesis.

Practical recommendations:

• Brisk walking: 30 min, 5 times a week, the minimum to maintain joint health
• Swimming or water aerobics: ideal for people suffering from joint pain (no impact)
• Gentle yoga or stretching: 2 times a week to maintain the suppleness of tendons and ligaments
• Avoid repeated impacts (running on concrete) if you have osteoarthritis; prefer cycling or swimming

Sleep: the night rebuilds what the day wears down

Collagen and elastin synthesis accelerates during deep sleep, under the action of growth hormone (GH). Silicon provides the building materials; sleep is the time when reconstruction actually happens.

• Aim for 7 to 9 hours per night
• Go to bed at a regular time before 11 PM
• Avoid screens 60 minutes before bedtime

Stress management: protecting connective tissues

Chronic cortisol accelerates the degradation of collagen and elastin. It inhibits fibroblasts and reduces bone density over the long term. In other words: stress destroys exactly what silicon seeks to preserve.

What works:

• Cardiac coherence: 3 × 5 minutes per day
• Walking in nature: 30 minutes per day
• Yoga or conscious breathing: 2 sessions per week

Protect your joints daily

• Maintain a healthy weight (each excess kilo multiplies the pressure on the knees by 3)
• Wear shoes with good cushioning
• Avoid prolonged static positions; get up every 45 minutes
• Warm up and stretch joints before any physical exertion

The 5 silicon products from Pleine Forme: which one to choose according to your profile?

Here is the most useful information in this article, the practical guide that allows you to choose the right product according to your real situation.

🌿 1. Horsetail Silica - Phytonika - 500 ml

→ See product on Pleine Forme

For whom? People who prefer a 100% plant-based silica, derived from a plant, with a complete mineral profile.

Phytonika Horsetail Silica is developed by the family laboratory founded by biologist Adrien Baccichetti (formula by Dr. Yves Baccichetti), nestled in the heart of the forests of Lorraine. The horsetail used comes from mountains preserved from human activity, a crucial point, as horsetail easily bioaccumulates soil pollutants.

The extract is obtained by cold pressing in a non-alcoholic aqueous medium, without mixing with other plants or essential oils—an important detail: according to Dr. Baccichetti, any addition of plants or essential oils cancels out the effects of the horsetail and silicon.

What sets it apart:

• Concentrated at 100,000 mg of horsetail per liter (1 kg of horsetail per 1 liter)
• Plant-based organic silica naturally bound to the plant's proteins and carbohydrates
• Rich in complementary minerals: magnesium, potassium, calcium, vitamin C, quercetin, flavonoids
• No chemical preservatives (natural potassium sorbate + citric acid)
• Compatible with medication (no known contraindications)

Priority benefits: joints, bones, renal drainage, skin, hair, nails, vascular tone.

Dosage: 20 ml per day (2 x 10 ml caps) on an empty stomach or between meals, diluted in water or herbal tea. Course of at least 1 month (1 bottle); average courses of 2 to 6 bottles are possible continuously.

Our advice: ideal as a versatile fundamental treatment, accessible to everyone, particularly suitable for people sensitive to additives or those wishing for a 100% plant-based and natural approach.

🌱 2. Organic Nettle Silica - Phytonika - 500 ml

→ See product on Pleine Forme

For whom? People who want plant-based silica without any additives or preservatives, in its purest form.

Phytonika Nettle Silica is a rare reference on the market: it is the only highly concentrated plant-based silicon in Europe, without additives and without preservatives. It consists of 100% hydro-glycerinated nettle extract, 2 kg of nettle leaves per liter of product. No other ingredients.

The total absence of preservatives is its major advantage for people who are highly sensitive to additives. The variable color (due to chlorophyll, which varies according to the seasons) is a sign of naturalness, not a defect.

What sets it apart from Horsetail Silica:

• Zero preservatives, zero additives, 100% nettle extract
• Hydro-glycerinated form (vegetable glycerin as a natural solvent) for better extraction without alcohol
• Nettle is particularly rich in silica but also in iron, chlorophyll, and natural anti-inflammatory compounds
• Highly appreciated for heavy metal detox (several user testimonials mention this benefit)
• Recommended by the magazine *Rebelle Santé* and health journalist Michel Dogna

Priority benefits: joints, general tone, drainage, skin, hair, vitality.

Dosage: 20 ml per day (2 x 10 ml caps) away from meals, diluted in a glass of water. Course of 1 to 6 months.

Our recommendation: top choice for those who are highly sensitive to additives, doing a detox, or wishing for the purest formulation possible. Also a good choice if you have had reactions to other silicas.

💊 3. Organic Silicon Nettle - Vitasil - 500 ml (drinkable)

→ View product on Pleine Forme

For whom? People looking for a bio-activated organic silicon with high concentration, with a targeted action on beauty (skin, hair, nails) AND joints.

Vitasil Organic Silicon represents a different approach: it is bio-activated organic silicon (monomeric silicic acid) derived from nettle, combined with zinc gluconate and copper gluconate. This bio-activation process, exclusive to Dexil Laboratories, makes it possible to obtain an absolute monomer, a stable, non-polymerized silicon molecule, which penetrates directly into the heart of the cells.

What sets it apart from plant-based silicas:

• Bio-activated silicon: purified and stabilized molecule, maximized bioavailability
• Enriched with zinc (maintenance of skin, hair, nails, and bones) and copper (maintenance of connective tissues)
• This 3-in-1 synergy (silicon + zinc + copper) makes it the ideal choice for beauty concerns
• 3-month course recommended for visible results on hair loss and nail quality

Priority benefits: hair (loss, volume, shine), nails (brittleness, ridges), skin (firmness, elasticity), joints, and bones.

Dosage:

• Under 50 years: 15 ml in the morning on an empty stomach
• Over 50 years: 45 ml/day for the first week (starter effect), then 15 ml/day
• Shake the bottle before use; do not use metal glass or container

Our recommendation: top choice if your priority is beauty, hair loss, brittle nails, skin lacking firmness. Also excellent as a joint supplement for those aged 50 and over who wish to address everything in a single product.

🧴 4. Organic Silicon Gel - Vitasil - 225 ml (external use)

→ View product on Pleine Forme

For whom? People who want a fast, local action on painful joints, or a topical silicon skin treatment.

This gel is the external use version of Vitasil organic silicon. Formulated with monomethylsilanetriol (MMST bio-activated organic silicon for cosmetic use), it penetrates tissues through the skin to act locally on cartilage, elastin, and collagen. Its properties are remineralizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypoallergenic.

Why combine gel and drinkable solution? According to Vitasil laboratories, the gel has a faster action than a drinkable solution, but its action remains local. For lasting, systemic results, the drinkable + gel combination is the optimal strategy. One acts from the inside on the general terrain, the other acts from the outside on the targeted area.

Concrete uses:

• Application on painful joints (knees, hips, shoulders, ankles)
• Massage of the back, neck, and tense areas
• Facial skin care for firmness and radiance
• Application on nails to strengthen them
• Mixed with clay for anti-inflammatory wraps

Composition: Aqua, Monomethylsilanetriol, Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer, Capryloyl Glycine, Tromethamine, Polyisobutene, Parfum, Polysorbate 20. Paraben-free.

Dosage: a dab of gel 2 to 3 times a day on the affected areas. Massage until fully penetrated. For external use only.

Our recommendation: essential as a supplement to the drinkable version for localized joint pain. Also excellent as a silicon skin treatment, in synergy with an oral treatment.

💧 5. Organic Silicon G5 - LLR-G5 - 500 ml

→ View product on Pleine Forme

For whom? People looking for the benchmark organic silicon, the original Loïc Le Ribault formula, the most concentrated, the most assimilable, without preservatives.

G5 is the historical formula of organic silicon, originally developed by geologist and researcher Loïc Le Ribault in the 70s, and legally marketed since 1999 by the laboratory LLR-G5 Ltd, based in Ireland. It is the only holder of the original process with the approval of EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), in accordance with Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC.

Its key feature: an assimilation rate by the body that can reach 70%, whereas colloidal or mineral silica rarely exceeds 15%. This exceptional bioavailability is explained by its perfect dissolution form, non-colloidal, without crystallization.

What distinguishes it from all others:

• Original formula without preservatives; the 500 ml bottle guarantees a 4-week shelf life after opening (size chosen precisely for this reason)
• Ultra-minimalist composition: water + organic silicon (monomethylsilanetriol) + potassium phosphate
• Usable internally AND externally (compresses, spraying on the skin)
• Neutral pH (approx. 6.6), perfectly tolerated by the body
• EFSA-approved, the only organic silicon entirely compliant with European food supplement standards

Priority benefits: severe joint pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, overall remineralization, advanced skin aging, demineralization.

Dosage:

• Intensive course: 30 ml, 3 times a day before meals (attack phase 1 to 6 months)
• Maintenance course: 10 to 20 ml, 1 to 3 times a day
• Keeps for 4 weeks after opening; respect this time frame
• Avoid all contact with metal or glass

Our recommendation: top choice for serious joint situations, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, post-fracture remineralization, advanced aging. Also the choice for people who already know silicon and want the purest and most effective form. Its preservative-free profile also makes it a preferred choice for people who are very sensitive to additives who want a concentrated organic silicon.

Summary table: which product for which profile?

Profile / Priority need	Recommended product
Versatile foundation course, 1st attempt	Phytonika Horsetail Silica
Zero additive, detox, hypersensitivity	Phytonika Organic Nettle Silica
Hair, nails, skin + joints	Vitasil Organic Silicon Nettle (drinkable)
Localized joint pain, topical use	Vitasil Organic Silicon Gel
Osteoarthritis, severe pain, advanced remineralization	LLR-G5 Organic Silicon
Complete protocol (inside + outside)	G5 drinkable + Vitasil Gel

---

Your complete protocol: 30-day action plan with silicon

Week 1: Choose and start

Goal: identify your priority and establish daily intake

• Read the table above and choose your product according to your profile
• Start at the minimum recommended dose, gradually increase
• Take your silicon in the morning on an empty stomach, with a large glass of water
• Add fresh lemon juice before taking (vitamin C in synergy)
• Note your starting symptoms (pain, nail quality, hair condition)

Week 2: Amplify through diet

Goal: strengthen dietary silica intake

• Replace your refined cereals with whole grains (millet, oats, brown rice)
• Eat cucumber and zucchini with the skin on
• Add a horsetail or nettle infusion in the evening (complementary to the morning supplement)
• Start 3 sessions of 30 minutes of walking per week
• If osteoarthritis or pain: apply Vitasil gel to the affected areas morning and evening

Week 3: Lifestyle habits

Goal: create optimal conditions for tissue regeneration

• Set a fixed bedtime before 11 PM (the night repairs what the silicon builds)
• Cardiac coherence: 3 times/day, 5 minutes (reduce cortisol which degrades collagen)
• Increase to 5 sessions of walking or swimming per week
• Hydrate yourself: minimum 1.5 liters of water per day during the course
• Vitamin C: raw red bell pepper, kiwi, fresh parsley at every meal

Week 4: Evaluation and decision on course

Goal: measure the first effects, decide on the duration of the course

Evaluation criterion	Before	After 4 weeks
Joint pain (score /10)	...	...
Flexibility upon waking (score /10)	...	...
Nail quality (score /10)	...	...
Hair thickness / hair loss (score /10)	...	...
Skin tone (score /10)	...	...
General energy (score /10)	...	...

Recommended duration by objective:

• Hair, nails, skin: 3 months minimum
• Joints, joint comfort: 3 to 6 months
• Deep bone remineralization: 6 to 12 months with breaks

FAQ – Your most frequent questions about organic silicon

1. What is the difference between organic silicon and plant-based silica?

Plant-based silica (horsetail, nettle) is silicon naturally bound to the plant's proteins and carbohydrates, assimilable but with bioavailability that varies depending on the extraction. "Synthetic" organic silicon (G5, Vitasil) is a purified and stabilized molecule (monomethylsilanetriol or silicic acid), whose bioavailability can reach 70%. Both are effective; the plant-based form has the advantage of a complete mineral profile, the concentrated organic form has the advantage of maximized assimilation.

      2. Can you take silicon at the same time as your medication?

For Phytonika Horsetail Silica and Nettle Silica, there are no known contraindications with medications. For G5 and Vitasil, space the intake 2 hours from medications as a precaution. In case of treatment for the kidneys, consult your doctor before any silicon supplementation.

      3. How long before seeing effects?

For joints: 4 to 8 weeks in general for the first effects, 3 to 6 months for lasting results. For hair and nails: 6 to 12 weeks (the time of a growth cycle). For skin: 4 to 8 weeks. Patience is essential; silicon acts on tissue structure, not on symptoms.

     4. Are there any side effects to organic silicon?

Organic silicon is generally very well tolerated. Mild digestive disturbances (nausea) can occur at high doses at the start of the course. Excess G5 organic silicon is eliminated by the kidneys without known risk in people with normal kidney function. People suffering from kidney failure must consult their doctor.

    5. Can we use Vitasil silicon gel on the face?

Yes, perfectly. Vitasil gel is hypoallergenic and can be applied to the face for its remineralizing and firming properties. It helps maintain the structure of skin collagen and elastin. Apply a small dab to clean skin, morning and/or evening.

   6. What is the difference between G5 without preservatives (500 ml) and the one with preservatives (1 liter)?

The 500 ml LLR-G5 bottle contains no chemical preservatives; it is the preferred formula. It keeps for 4 weeks after opening (hence the 500 ml format). The 1-liter bottle contains preservatives (ethylparaben and methylparaben) to ensure longer storage. The preservative-free formula is preferable if you can consume the product within the specified time frame.

   7. Does silicon really help against osteoarthritis?

Silicon is essential for the formation of proteoglycans, the molecules that make up cartilage and include hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin. It therefore supports chondrocytes and cartilage structure. Studies and numerous testimonials from the field over more than 20 years of use indicate a reduction in pain and improvement in mobility. It does not replace medical treatment but can be a relevant complementary support.

     8. Horsetail or nettle: which to choose?

Both are rich in plant-based organic silica. Horsetail has the advantage of a slightly higher silica content and a long tradition of documented use. Nettle has the advantage of being enriched with chlorophyll, iron, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Phytonika Nettle Silica also has the advantage of the total absence of additives. If in doubt, both can be alternated in successive courses.

     9. Can we give silicon to a child?

Silicon is naturally present in food and is not toxic. For children, adapt the dose (generally half the adult dose) and consult a pediatrician or naturopath before any supplementation. Phytonika Nettle Silica (without additives) is the most appropriate choice for younger ones.

     10. Can we take two forms of silicon at the same time?

Yes, the combination of external gel + drinkable solution is even recommended by Vitasil for maximum effectiveness. Combining plant-based silica (horsetail or nettle) in the morning and a gel in the evening on the concerned areas is also a consistent strategy. However, avoid combining two drinkable solutions of concentrated organic silicon (G5 + Vitasil) without professional advice.

Need personalized advice to choose your silicon? Our Pleine Forme advisors answer your questions at 02.47.20.49.17

⚠️ Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only. It does not replace personalized medical advice under any circumstances, especially in case of diabetes, taking medication, or pregnancy. Consult your doctor before any change or taking supplements.

Sources

1. Jugdaohsingh R. (2007). Silicon and bone health. Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 11(2):99–110. PubMed

2. Reffitt D.M. et al. (2003). Orthosilicic acid stimulates collagen type 1 synthesis and osteoblastic differentiation in human osteoblast-like cells in vitro. Bone, 32(2):127–135. PubMed

3. Baccichetti Y. — Phytonika. Silicon and horsetail: properties and precautions for use. Internal documentation and publication available at phytonika.com

4. Dexil Laboratories — Vitasil. Bio-activated Organic Silicon: technical documentation. vitasil.com

5. LLR-G5 Ltd — Irish Laboratory. Organic Silicon G5: composition, EFSA approval, Directive 2002/46/EC. g5-silicium.com

6. Price C.T. et al. (2013). Silicon: a review of its potential role in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2013:316783. PubMed

7. ANSES (2021). Trace elements and dietary supplements — summary sheets. anses.fr