Reference values for serum silicon in adults

Silicon is an essential nutrient of fundamental importance to human biology. It has been shown that silicon is required for bone, cartilage, and connective tissue formation. However, the assessment of silicon concentration is difficult as reference values are lacking. The aim of the present study was to establish reference values for apparently healthy individuals. Silicon concentrations were determined in serum of 1325 healthy subjects 18-91 years of age using atomic absorption spectrometry. Medians for serum silicon concentrations showed a statistically significant age and sex dependency. In men 18-59 years of age the median was 9.5 mumol/L and decreased to 8.5 mumol/L at 60-74 years of age. In women there was an increase in the median from age 18-29 years (10.00 mumol/L) to 30-44 years (11.10 mumol/L) followed by a decrease in the age group of 45-59 years (9.23 mumol/L). In subjects aged over 74 years the median serum silicon values were 7.70 mumol/L for men and 8.00 mumol/L for women. The most important findings in this study are the decrease of silicon and the course of the silicon concentrations with age, especially in women. The present study is an important prerequisite for studies that aim to identify the health effects and medical implications of silicon. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.