Super Silica Plus
KAL
Super Silica Plus
Horsetail 600 mg
Silicon 20 mg
Score 78.0
This product combines a bioavailable form of silica with natural horsetail extract, offering comprehensive support for bone, joint, and connective tissue health, including hair, skin, and nails.
Quantity: 60 Tablet(s) • (60 servings)
Goals:
Hair Health
Nail Health
Bone Health
Score 78.0
This product combines a bioavailable form of silica with natural horsetail extract, offering comprehensive support for bone, joint, and connective tissue health, including hair, skin, and nails.
Analysis
KAL Super Silica Plus is formulated with two primary ingredients: 20mg of Colloidal Hydrophilic Silica and 600mg of Horsetail aerial extract. Colloidal hydrophilic silica is considered a highly bioavailable form of silicon, which is essential for the synthesis and maintenance of connective tissues throughout the body. The inclusion of a significant amount of horsetail aerial extract further enhances the silica content, as horsetail is a well-known natural source of this vital mineral. This dual-source approach ensures a comprehensive and robust supply of silica, directly supporting the product's goals of promoting the health and integrity of bones, joints, hair, nails, and skin. Online reviews and nutritional understanding generally affirm the role of silica in these areas, and the ingredient profile suggests good efficacy for these specific applications.
Pros
- Contains highly bioavailable colloidal hydrophilic silica for better absorption.
- Provides a robust dosage of horsetail extract (600mg) for additional natural silica content.
- Addresses multiple beauty and structural health goals effectively through key ingredients.
- Price per serving is competitive for the quality and dosage offered.
Cons
- Does not include other synergistic nutrients (e.g., biotin, collagen, MSM, Vitamin C) often found in more comprehensive hair, skin, and nail formulas.
- The precise elemental silica content from the horsetail extract is not explicitly standardized, which can lead to variability in the total active compound.
$19.19($0.31 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 19.19 | |
 Amazon | $ 19.19 |
Effectiveness for goals
Silicon is often promoted for its benefits to skin, hair, and nails, primarily due to its involvement in collagen and elastin formation. It may contribute to skin elasticity, reduce nail brittleness, and promote hair strength. Clinical studies on specific forms of silicon have shown promising results in these areas.
Scientific studies suggest that silicon can play a role in the structural integrity of hair and nails. Regular supplementation has been associated with improved hair strength, reduced brittleness, and enhanced nail quality. The mineral contributes to the formation of connective tissues.
Research suggests that adequate silicon intake may be associated with improved bone mineral density and bone formation. Silicon is believed to contribute to the organic matrix of bone and may facilitate calcium utilization. Some studies indicate a potential role in reducing bone fragility.
Some research suggests that silicon contributes to the formation of collagen, a key protein for skin elasticity and firmness. By supporting collagen synthesis, silicon may help maintain skin structure and reduce signs of aging. Its role in connective tissue health extends to the skin.
Yes, silicon is thought to be involved in the synthesis and stabilization of collagen, a crucial protein for connective tissues throughout the body. It may act as a cross-linking agent for collagen and elastin fibers, enhancing their strength and elasticity. This function contributes to the structural integrity of skin, hair, nails, and bones.
Dosage, timing & forms
Horsetail supplements are commonly available as dried herb for making teas, capsules containing powdered extract, or liquid tinctures. Extracts are often standardized to contain a certain percentage of silica, which is considered a key active compound. The form chosen can influence preparation and dosage.
Silicon supplements often come as orthosilicic acid (OSA) or choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA), which are considered highly bioavailable forms. Colloidal silica and silicon dioxide are also available, though their absorption rates can vary. The specific form impacts how readily the body can utilize the silicon.
Dosages for horsetail vary widely depending on the form and its standardization, especially regarding silica content. For dried herb, 1-2 teaspoons brewed as tea daily is common, while extracts may range from 300-600 mg daily, often standardized to 7-10% silica. Always follow the specific instructions on the product label for accurate dosing.
Common forms of silicon supplements include colloidal silica, orthosilicic acid (OSA), and choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA). Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) is often cited as a highly bioavailable form due to its improved absorption in the digestive tract. Other forms like bamboo extract also provide silica, which the body converts.
The silica content is a key factor in horsetail extract dosage, as silica is considered a primary active compound contributing to its benefits. Supplements standardized to a higher silica percentage may require a lower daily dose to achieve the desired elemental silicon intake. Always check the standardization percentage on the label.
Safety & interactions
Yes, horsetail can interact with certain medications. Its diuretic effect may enhance the action of prescription diuretics, potentially leading to excessive fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance. It can also increase lithium excretion, reducing its effectiveness, and should be avoided by those on lithium therapy.
Safety data for silicon supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited. Due to insufficient research, it is generally recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding individuals consult their healthcare provider before taking silicon supplements. This precautionary approach helps ensure the well-being of both mother and child.
Horsetail is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of sufficient safety data. Its diuretic properties and potential for thiamine deficiency are also considerations. Pregnant or nursing individuals should avoid horsetail supplements or consult their doctor first.
Common side effects of horsetail may include mild gastrointestinal upset. Due to its natural diuretic properties, some individuals might experience increased urination. Long-term use or high doses can potentially lead to thiamine deficiency or potassium imbalance.
Silicon supplements are generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses. Mild gastrointestinal upset is occasionally reported. High doses over extended periods are not well-studied for long-term adverse effects.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Total Carbohydrates | 1 Gram(s) |
Biotin | 100 mcg |
Horsetail aerial extract | 600 mg |
MSM | 250 mg |
Colloidal Hydrophilic Silica | 20 mg |
ActiSorb Base | 10 mg |
Adults 18–50
Report overviewCategories
Silicon 90.0
The product explicitly provides silica in a highly bioavailable colloidal hydrophilic form, complemented by a significant dose of horsetail, a natural source of the mineral. This comprehensive approach ensures effective delivery and utilization of silicon for its intended benefits, making it a strong contender in the silicon category.
Horsetail 88.0
With 600mg of horsetail aerial extract, this product contains a substantial amount of this herb, which is renowned for its natural silica content and traditional use in supporting connective tissues. This dosage aligns well with typical recommendations for horsetail supplementation, enhancing its efficacy.
Goals
Bone Health 85.0
Silica is crucial for collagen formation, a key protein in bone matrix, and plays a role in bone mineralization, making this product highly relevant for bone density and strength. The combination of bioavailable colloidal silica and horsetail provides ample support for these mechanisms.
Joint Health 85.0
Silicon contributes to the health of connective tissues, including cartilage and ligaments, which are vital for joint flexibility and integrity. This supplement provides a foundational nutrient to support the structural components of joints, promoting their resilience and function.
Hair Health 85.0
Silica is known to strengthen hair, improve its elasticity, and reduce breakage by contributing to the formation of keratin and collagen, essential components of hair strands. The dual sources of silica in this product make it effective for promoting healthier and more resilient hair.
Recommended Alternatives
82 Value 
Oceanic Silica
Solgar
This alternative offers a higher elemental silica dose (108mg) from a good natural source (red algae) at a significantly lower price per serving (23 cents) compared to the original. This combination of higher potency for less cost makes it an excellent value for silica supplementation.
80 Value 
Silica
Alta Health Products
At 18 cents per serving, this product provides an impressive 1500mg of horsetail extract, which translates to a very high potential elemental silica content. This offers a powerful dose for supporting bone, joint, hair, nail, and skin health at a significantly lower cost, representing strong overall value.
70 Value 
Hair Skin & Nails
Swanson
While its efficacy score is slightly lower than the original, its exceptionally low price of 11 cents per serving for 250mg of Horsetail Grass Stem Extract (a solid natural source of silica) makes it an outstanding value choice. It provides a good foundational amount of silica for a fraction of the cost.
95 Performance 
Living Silica Mineral Based Collagen Booster
Orgono
This product features 22mg of Monomethylsilanetriol (MMST), widely regarded as the most bioavailable form of organic silica. Despite its exceptionally high price, MMST ensures superior absorption and efficacy for collagen boosting, skin elasticity, and connective tissue support, making it technically 'better' in terms of silica quality.
88 Performance 
Hair Force
KAL
From the same brand, this product offers a higher direct silica dose of 100mg per serving compared to the 20mg in Super Silica Plus. While the specific form of silica isn't detailed, the increased quantity suggests a more potent effect, especially for those prioritizing a higher intake of silica for hair health.
85 Performance 
Whole-Food Multivitamin Plus Vital Minerals
Dr. Mercola
Although a multivitamin, this product provides a notable 100mg of silica alongside a comprehensive array of other vitamins and minerals. This holistic approach can offer broader nutritional support for skin, hair, and nail health, addressing underlying deficiencies that a standalone silica product might miss, providing a more complete solution.
65 Budget 
Hair Skin & Nails
Nature's Truth
This alternative is cheaper at 25 cents per serving but offers a less potent and absorbable silica profile. It includes 30mg of silicon dioxide, a less bioavailable form, and a minimal 3mg of horsetail extract, making it a lower quality option compared to KAL's colloidal silica.
82 Budget
Oceanic Silica
Solgar
At 23 cents per serving, this product is cheaper than the original and provides a substantial 108mg of silica from red algae powder, which is a good natural source. It offers a higher elemental silica dose for a lower price, making it a more efficient option in terms of silica content per penny.
70 Budget
Hair Skin & Nails
Swanson
This alternative is significantly cheaper at just 11 cents per serving and contains 250mg of Horsetail Grass Stem Extract. While the elemental silica content from horsetail might be lower than KAL's combined approach, its extremely low cost makes it a very attractive and cost-effective option for basic silica supplementation.
82 Value
Oceanic Silica
Solgar
This alternative offers a higher elemental silica dose (108mg) from a good natural source (red algae) at a significantly lower price per serving (23 cents) compared to the original. This combination of higher potency for less cost makes it an excellent value for silica supplementation.
80 Value
Silica
Alta Health Products
At 18 cents per serving, this product provides an impressive 1500mg of horsetail extract, which translates to a very high potential elemental silica content. This offers a powerful dose for supporting bone, joint, hair, nail, and skin health at a significantly lower cost, representing strong overall value.
70 Value
Hair Skin & Nails
Swanson
While its efficacy score is slightly lower than the original, its exceptionally low price of 11 cents per serving for 250mg of Horsetail Grass Stem Extract (a solid natural source of silica) makes it an outstanding value choice. It provides a good foundational amount of silica for a fraction of the cost.
95 Performance
Living Silica Mineral Based Collagen Booster
Orgono
This product features 22mg of Monomethylsilanetriol (MMST), widely regarded as the most bioavailable form of organic silica. Despite its exceptionally high price, MMST ensures superior absorption and efficacy for collagen boosting, skin elasticity, and connective tissue support, making it technically 'better' in terms of silica quality.
88 Performance
Hair Force
KAL
From the same brand, this product offers a higher direct silica dose of 100mg per serving compared to the 20mg in Super Silica Plus. While the specific form of silica isn't detailed, the increased quantity suggests a more potent effect, especially for those prioritizing a higher intake of silica for hair health.
85 Performance
Whole-Food Multivitamin Plus Vital Minerals
Dr. Mercola
Although a multivitamin, this product provides a notable 100mg of silica alongside a comprehensive array of other vitamins and minerals. This holistic approach can offer broader nutritional support for skin, hair, and nail health, addressing underlying deficiencies that a standalone silica product might miss, providing a more complete solution.